Nearly half of county kids living in poverty
ALMOST half of the children and young people in West Lothian are deemed to be living in poverty in households dependent on benefits, according to Scottish Government figures.
Out of the estimated 43,305 children aged 0-19, around 19,830 are thought to be living in homes that are dependent on out-of-work, low-income benefits or child tax credit.
A report by the Scottish Government for 2007/08 also outlines the substantial costs to public services through education, social services, healthcare, housing, youth justice and drug treatments.
Households are classed as being in poverty if they earn below the family element – which is different for each case – leaving 45.8 per cent of the county's kids below these thresholds.
Figures from 2007, show the Livingston South ward as the most deprived area, with a total of 5,285 families in receipt of tax credits.
Livingston North had the second highest number of claimants, with East Livingston and East Calder joint third with Whitburn and Blackburn.
Executive councillor for social policy Isabel Hutton said the figures were below comparator local authorities and on a par with the Scottish average.
She added: "The council recognises that there are areas of deprivation in West Lothian and is taking steps to help families, for example, by starting free breakfast clubs in 24 primary schools based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.
"The council is also working in partnership with community planning partners to implement the innovative Life Stages programme, which aims to promote an early intervention approach in our communities.
"The wide-ranging nature of this project will affect nearly every service in the council, as changes are made to the way services are delivered to target resources where they can make the greatest impact. Life Stages is about outcomes, not outputs, and making a real difference in West Lothian's communities.
The council says it is providing an additional 1,620 free school meals, free swimming on Friday afternoons and holidays and nursery places for children three and over.
"It's about investing in communities at the right time, to reap the benefits in the short, medium and long term," added Cllr Hutton.
"We recognise that people sometimes need extra help at key points in their lives, and it's important we get the right help to them at the right time."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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