Council leader John Alexander

The city is setting itself the ambitious goal of matching the Scottish Government’s overall national target of reducing child poverty to less than 10% of children living in relative poverty.  

This work is progressing against the backdrop of the current situation in Dundee, where the rate of children in relative low-income households after housing costs at the end of March 2020 was 27%. 

Dundee City Council’s policy and resources committee will hear on June 21 that effective action will be required to respond to the longstanding challenges associated with low incomes and insecure employment, substance use and mental health issues and the poverty-related attainment gap. 

Councillors will be told that inevitably, the health, social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will make these challenges even greater. 

A combined Fairness and Local Child Poverty report is to be considered by the committee. This outlines how the experience of people living in poverty is absolutely crucial in taking forward policies, and how local solutions are being developed to tackle poverty in city neighbourhoods. 

Council leader John Alexander said: “Statistics concerning child poverty in Dundee are grim, that is why we committed to doing as much as we can to turn this around. 

“We owe the children of this city a brighter future and to make the city a better place for everyone. 

“But, as with our work directed to cut drug deaths and the poverty-related attainment gap, we are dealing with problems that have been decades in the making. There are no quick or easy solutions.” 

He added “The work of the Fairness Commission has enabled us to make progress, while the establishment of the Dundee Fighting for Fairness group will help take that momentum forward. 

“It is vital that people experiencing poverty at the sharp end can have their voices heard as city agencies work to improve life for them. 

“The city council and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation are helping this new group and Faith in the Community to play a powerful role as we move forward. Fairness and equalities spokeswoman Councillor Lynne Short said: “Despite the challenges added to our task by the pandemic, we have shown how Dundee pulls together in the face of adversity. 

“The city’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and the vital aid that was supplied to city families shows how committed we all are to make sure that no-one is left behind.” 

The action plan highlights work that is ongoing across the city including the Cost of the School Day project, the Dundee Food Insecurity Network, the Discover Work service, digital inclusion and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership’s action plan for change following the report of the Dundee Drug Commission.