Government Measures to Reduce Inequality

Vocabulary and key statistics regarding Scottish and UK government measures, such as free tuition, the Baby Box, and Minimum Unit Pricing, used to address social and economic inequalities.

21% of the population

The proportion of the UK population currently in poverty, which includes children, disabled people, and regional disparities.

Free university tuition (Scotland)

A measure universally introduced in 2007 to remove financial barriers for poorer students and help reduce income inequality.

$$£21,000$$

The annual income threshold in England at which graduates must start paying back their student debt.

$$£45,000$$

The average student debt in England, which is noted as being the highest in Europe.

$$£15,000$$

The average student debt for graduates in Scotland.

15,000 applicants

The estimated number of Scottish students who miss out on university places each year due to government-imposed caps.

Baby box

A policy introduced in 2017 providing a box of items to help ensure every baby gets an equal start in life and to improve infant health.

Baby Box Contents

Includes about 40 items such as clothes and a thermometer, with a total value worth over $£400$.

Educational attainment gap

The disparity in educational achievement that begins in a child's early years, which the Baby Box policy aims to narrow.

$$£9\,\text{million/year}$$

The annual cost to the government for providing the universally free Baby Box policy.

Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol (MUP)

A 2018 Scottish Government policy that set a minimum price per unit on drinks sold in shops to reduce alcohol-related illnesses.

$50p$ to $65p$

The price increase per unit of alcohol under MUP, rising from the initial 2018 level to the new rate set in 2024.

$8\%$ fall

The reduction in alcohol sales recorded since the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing in 2018.

Cirrhosis

An example of an alcohol-related illness that the government aims to reduce through Minimum Unit Pricing.

Blunt instrument

A term used by critics to describe Minimum Unit Pricing, arguing it is too simple for the complex problem of addiction.