Social inclusion is about reducing inequalities between the least advantaged groups and communities and the rest of society by ensuring that support reaches those who need it most.
The Scottish Government is committed to tackling poverty, inequality and disadvantage. We are committed to doing what we can within the powers available to us to eradicating child poverty by 2020
In addition, the Government Economic Strategy includes the Solidarity Target to reduce income inequality, and the National Outcomes and Indicators framework includes an indicator on poverty for all individuals.
The Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing launched a discussion paper " Taking Forward the Government Economic Strategy (GES): a discussion Paper on Tackling Poverty, Inequality and Deprivation in Scotland" on 31 January 2008.
This discussion paper is designed to inform the development of a framework for delivering on the aspects of the Government Economic Strategy related to tackling poverty including child poverty, inequality and deprivation in Scotland. It is aimed at a broad range of key stakeholders with an interest in the area of poverty and social inclusion in Scotland and will support a period of engagement and discussion over the coming weeks and months.
The closing date for comments on the Discussion Paper was extended until 30 June 2008 and has now closed.