§ Ms SquireTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) children, (b) families and (c) people, in each constituency in Scotland, were living in poverty in (i) 1997, (ii) 1998, (iii) 1999 and (iv) 2000. [152465]
§ Mr. FoulkesPoverty and social exclusion are multifaceted problems. Therefore, the Government do not use a single definition of poverty but instead use a range of indicators to monitor the progress of our strategy. Information relating to the indicators can be found in the450W second Government "Opportunity for all" report on tackling poverty and social exclusion "One year on: making a difference". The report also describes and monitors the impact of policies we have already introduced, and sets our plans for the future.
When tackling poverty in Scotland, the UK Government work in partnership with the Scottish Executive, through mechanisms such as the Joint Ministerial Committee on Poverty. The Scottish Executive produces a Social Justice Annual Report " … a Scotland where everyone matters".
451WThis report outlines measures taken by both the Executive and the UK Government to promote social inclusion in Scotland.