Child poverty figures fall in region...but 'much more work to do'

Celebrations over significant improvements in child poverty levels in Dumfries and Galloway should be put on hold, a councillor insisted this week.

- MARC MCLEAN

That's because there is still a long way to go to help pluck vulnerable and needy kids out of poverty in the region, according to Annandale South Councillor Richard Brodie.

It was recently reported that there are nearly 1,200 fewer children and young people living in poverty in Dumfries and Galloway compared to previous figures.

The overall rate dropped from 26.9 percent - more than one in four youngsters - to 22.7 percent in one year.

However, at Dumfries and Galloway Council's tackling poverty, inequalities and housing sub committee on Tuesday, Councillor Brodie said: “There’s some good news with the reported reduction in child poverty across the region, and an improving position compared with the rest of Scotland.

“Before we celebrate, you've got to recognise that child poverty levels are still over 20 per cent, and there's a lot more work to do.