This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Progress on closing the opportunity gap
08/10/2002
"Ending poverty and prejudice will require every part of the Scottish Executive to concentrate its efforts on closing the opportunity gap," Social Justice Minister Margaret Curran said today.
In a statement setting out in detail the effort and resources that each Cabinet Minister's portfolio is making to ensure everybody in Scotland has the chance to fulfil their potential, Ms Curran said:
"Closing the opportunity gap is a key priority for the Scottish Executive. All my Ministerial colleagues are working to close gaps between the most disadvantaged people and places in Scotland and the rest. This is a joint endeavour and not the sole preserve of the Social Justice portfolio.
"Scotland's future depends upon the extent to which people can aim high and realise their ambitions. For example, there are still too many people claiming benefits in Scotland and there remains tens of thousands of unfilled job vacancies. We need to meet that gap.
"This statement sets out our investment, from the Scottish Budget 2003-06, and action right across the Executive's programmes to tackle social injustice in Scotland."
The Executive published its budget for 2003-2006 under the heading Building a Better Scotland' on September 12.
Hugh Mackintosh, Director, Barnardo's Scotland, said:
"Barnardo's Scotland welcomes the Executive's commitment to addressing poverty and prejudice through the range of objectives set out in Closing the Opportunity Gap document.
"We particularly welcome those which will focus on children and young people. We know from our work across Scotland that Looked after Children, those with a disability and special educational needs and young people on the margins of crime are often the poorest in our communities. The investment of £20m in childcare, as part of a package of intensive employment support over the next three years, will make a significant impact on child poverty".
John Findlay, Director of One Plus, said:
"Tackling social exclusion is a long-term project which requires mainstream reserves to be concentrated in the areas of most need.
"Closing the Opportunity Gap" details by Ministerial portfolio, the objectives, targets and resources committed by the Scottish Executive to ensure that every area of government addresses the needs of those living in our most disadvantaged communities.
"This is a very important and welcome document highlighting the commitment of the Minister to champion Social Justice in all areas of the Scottish Executive."