CONCERNS have been raised at the “shameful” number of East Lothian children living in poverty, as communities are urged to have their say on how to help residents of all ages who are struggling.

In East Lothian, there are nearly 5,000 children living in poverty, a figure which has been described as “simply shameful” and “concerning” by local MSPs.

A consultation on East Lothian Council’s Draft Poverty Plan 2021-23 is currently taking place online.

The draft, prepared for the local authority by representatives from key council services, NHS Lothian and community and volunteer groups, sets out objectives and actions that should be prioritised in the next two years.

It is based on the recommendations from the final report of the East Lothian Poverty Commission, taking into account work carried out to tackle poverty since the report was published in 2017 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last 18 months.

Measures suggested include the proposed introduction of free bus passes for people returning to work after Covid, the application for East Lothian living wage accreditation, and an increase in employability, family support and homelessness projects.

East Lothian-based South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield (Lab), the county’s former MP, is calling for immediate action and wants an increase in Scottish Child Payments in the wake of upcoming cuts to Universal Credit payments.

Currently, 930 children in East Lothian receive Scottish Child Payment. He has called for the payments – £10 per week – to be quadrupled, which he says will “benefit close to a thousand children in East Lothian instantly”.

“One child living in poverty is one too many – so it is simply shameful that around 5,000 children in East Lothian are currently in poverty.

“This is our best chance to meet Scotland’s legal child poverty targets – but more importantly it is an opportunity to make a real difference to these children’s lives.”

East Lothian Council was the third local authority in Scotland to convene a poverty commission to explore ways of breaking the cycle of poverty.

A spokesperson said: “We and our partners are committed to creating a fairer and more equal East Lothian. Too many people in East Lothian are living in poverty, including in-work poverty.

“The impacts aren’t just financial, they affect every aspect of life.

“It’s a complex area and one that benefits from a wide range of voices sharing their views and experiences so we can make a real difference.

“The draft plan shows the work that has been undertaken since 2017 but also what more needs to be done and we would encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation.”

Mr Whitfield added: “As the draft poverty plan recognises, Covid has reinforced existing inequality, as well as driving more households into poverty.

“I believe the draft plan sets out ambitious but practical proposals for addressing this growing poverty over the next few years.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the inclusion of a commitment on East Lothian becoming a living wage area, new measures for tackling food poverty and insecurity and a drive to maximise benefit take-up.

“I also welcome the plan’s objective of increasing the number and range of affordable homes locally, the important emphasis on child poverty and its impact on educational attainment, and measures for reducing health inequalities.”

Paul McLennan (SNP), MSP for East Lothian, is also pushing for an increase in Scottish Child Payments, noting it is one of his “top priorities”.

He said: “We hope that the budget process will be done as quickly as possible.

“Reducing poverty in East Lothian has been my top focus since I was elected.”

Mr McLennan said he planned to support county residents affected by poverty through the development of national and local joint advice services, family support and help groups.

He said: “I am planning to establish a steering group on child poverty in East Lothian, particularly focusing on the areas which are in the top 10 per cent of deprived areas in Scotland. Often people think of East Lothian as a prosperous area but there are pockets of poverty in parts of Prestonpans, Tranent and Musselburgh which account for the top 10 per cent.”

The following organisations have agreed in principle to attend the group: Scottish Government; Aberlour Trust; Action for Children; Save the Children; East Lothian Council; East Lothian Foodbank; Citizens Advice Bureau; Capital Credit Union; Poverty Alliance; Cyrenians Trust Child Poverty Action Group; Development Trust Scotland; and Volunteer Centre East Lothian.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said tackling child poverty “is a national mission”, which is why the Scottish Child Payment was introduced in February.

The spokesperson said: “The payment is the most ambitious child poverty reduction measure anywhere in the UK, having now supported over 108,000 children under six with £10 a week payments. We are committed to doubling it to £20 per week as soon as possible, lifting a further 20,000 children out of poverty.”

Ahead of extending the Scottish Child Payment to under-16s, the Scottish Government will invest £77m a year through annual £520 a year bridging payments in 2021 and 2022.

To have your say on the East Lothian Council Poverty Plan draft, visit eastlothianconsultations.co.uk/policy-partnerships/draft-poverty-plan-survey-2021/consultation