HC Deb 21 January 2004 vol 416 cc1346-7W
Mr. Peter Duncan

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on poverty levels in(a) Scotland and (b) the UK in the last five years. [145682]

Mr. Pond

Poverty and social exclusion are complex and multi-dimensional issues, affecting many aspects of peoples' lives—including their living standards, health, housing, the quality of their environment and not just low income. The fifth annual 'Opportunity for all' report (Cm 5956) sets out the Government's strategy for tackling poverty and social exclusion and presents information on the many different indicators used to measure progress against this strategy.

The Scottish Executive also publish their own annual report on poverty and social exclusion. The latest of which, 'Social Justice…a Scotland where everyone matters' sets out their long term strategy for tackling poverty in Scotland.

Specific information regarding low income for Great Britain is available in 'Households Below Average Income 1994–95—2001–02'.

All publications listed are available in the Library.

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