Naomi Eisenstadt

Ms Eisenstadt will be joined by Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP at an event run by IPPR Scotland and Standard Life Foundation to consider how Scotland can use its powers to tackle financial insecurity and improve living standards for families in Scotland, including the role of social security.

The speakers will also consider the role that employers and others have to play in reducing poverty and increasing economic security.

Ms Eisenstadt will say: “Some really good progress has been made by the Scottish government to reduce poverty. After housing costs Scotland has lower poverty rates than the rest of the UK, people in Scotland have been given protection against the bedroom tax, better tenant protection in the Private Rented Sector, free tuition fees, and free social care for older people. In addition, the new Scottish Child Payment will go some way towards reducing child poverty.

“However, more could be done, including stronger pursuit of inclusive growth policies, reversing some of the Universal Credit cuts, improving quality and accessibility of childcare and a more radical approach to local tax reform, paying attention to assets as well as income. It is vital the public is onboard with these changes if they are to be successful and maintained by future governments.”

The event marks the launch of a new long-term project being undertaken by IPPR Scotland, funded by the Standard Life Foundation, looking at how Scotland can use its new powers over social security to deliver financial security and improve living standards for low- and middle-income families in Scotland.

The project which was awarded £150,000, is one of the Standard Life Foundation’s first to be funded, will last through to the end of 2021, developing a vision for tackling poverty and financial insecurity in Scotland.

Attendees will include senior representatives from across the voluntary sector, business and government in Scotland.