Recommendations to Scottish Government on poverty

Date: 12th July 2017
Category: Child poverty

A report on the life chances of young people in Scotland has been published which includes recommendations on employment, housing and mental health.


The report, entitled 'The Life Chances of Young People in Scotland' is the second report from the Independent Advisor on Poverty and Inequality to the Scottish Government, Naomi Eisenstadt. It includes 18 recommendations for the Scottish Government on what they can do to tackle poverty and support the transition from adolescence into adulthood.

These recommendations include:

  • Do more to value non-academic learning routes, post-school
  • Do more to provide subsidised/free transport for young people aged 25 and under
  • Deliver more affordable housing options for young adults
  • Take action to embed positive mental health approaches, based on quality evidence, in key settings where young people engage
  • The Scottish Government should fund applied research on school and classroom practices that encourage wellbeing and mental health


The report has been welcomed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who said that "Naomi's latest report 'The Life Chances of Young People in Scotland' provides useful challenges to the Scottish and UK Governments to do more to improve the life chances of young people from less advantaged backgrounds and to build a fairer future"

The First Minister also confirmed the creation of a new Independent Poverty and Inequality Commission which will be in place for an initial two year period. The first task for the Commission will be to provide independent advice to Ministers on the first child poverty delivery plan, which is due in April 2018. The Commissioner will be chaired by Douglas Hamilton, director of the RS Macdonald Charitable Trust and Kaliani Lyle, former chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, will be his deputy.


The Independent Advisor also commissioned the Scottish Government to carry out an evidence review exploring the challenges facing young people in Scotland.