Issue 4: Evaluation of responses to inequalities

List of factors

Universal Credit, National Living Wage, free prescriptions, Educational Maintenance Allowance, Minimum Unit Pricing, Baby Boxes

What has the Department of Work and Pensions stated about UC?

DWP stated that the new benefits system helped recipients find employment within six months, which is much more effective than the previous system

What percentage of recipients of UC avoided rent arrears in 2019?

In 2019, only 24% of recipients of UC avoided rent arrears 

Why does the government argue that UC is effective in tackling inequalities?

Not only does UC provide support for the most deprived in society to afford basic necessities, but it also helps them find employment easier by providing no more than is necessary. 

Why do some argue that UC is ineffective in tackling inequalities?

• The Scottish Government criticised UC and made their own amendments, such as allowing people to pay housing costs directly to landlords and receiving payments twice a month rather than once

• UC has further been criticised for increasing the risk of debt and homelessness, increasing socioeconomic inequality between the most and least deprived

How much did the income of the lowest paid workers increase by due to the National Living Wage?

According to the Low Pay Commission, the introduction of NLW improved the earnings of the lowest paid workers by 30% on average 

How many workers in the UK are only being paid National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage?

The Low Pay Commission found that 2 million workers in the UK are only being paid National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage 

Why does the government argue that NLW is effective in tackling inequalities?

The government argues that NLW provides a standard for income that allows people to achieve a baseline standard of living, thus preventing absolute poverty and closing the income gap. They also argue that it provides people with an incentive to work.

Why is it argued that NLW is ineffective in tackling inequalities? 

The Living Wage foundation argues that NLW does not match the rate of inflation and is inadequate due to the cost-of-living crisis. They have suggested that the NLW should be £13.45/hr regardless of age, and £14.80/hr in London 

How much more could NHS Scotland raise annually if they reinstated prices for non-essential prescriptions such as paracetamol?

By reinstating prescription fees for non-essential items such as paracetamol, NHS Scotland could raise an additional £50M annually. 

How many years earlier do Scottish citizens die when compared to their English counterparts?

Scottish citizens die 2 years earlier than English citizens on average

Why does the Scottish government argue that free prescriptions are effective in tackling inequalities?

Because they allow the most deprived to access medication without a significant barrier. It closes the gap in health outcomes between the most and least deprived.

Why do some argue that free prescriptions are ineffective in tackling inequalities? 

It is argued that free prescriptions negatively impact the most socioeconomically privileged as prescriptions for the most essential medications were already free for those in deprivation. Free prescriptions are also a post code lottery, with those in England being required to pay £9.90 per prescription item. 

What does IFS argue about the effect of EMA on 16-17 year olds?

IFS argues that due to EMA, a higher proportional of 16-17 year olds in Scotland continue their secondary education

What was the effect of EMA between the most and least socioeconomically deprived areas in Scotland?

According to TES, in 2023 the deprivation gap widened between the most and least socioeconomically deprived areas of Scotland

Why do some argue that EMA is ineffective in tackling inequality? 

Despite providing money to the most deprived secondary school students in Scotland, the money provided cannot be used to afford essential items or pay for resources to close the attainment gap, further creating inequalities in income and education. 

What was the reduction in alcohol-related deaths in Scotland after the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing?

According to the University of Glasgow, alcohol related deaths in Scotland were reduced by 13.4% after the introduction of MUP

Where were the rates of alcohol specific deaths in the most deprived 20% of Scotland?

According the Institute of Alcohol Studies, alcohol specific deaths in Scotland remained the highest in the 20% most deprived despite the introduction of MUP

Why does the Scottish government argue that MUP is effective in tackling inequalities?

The Scottish government argues that raising the price of alcohol limits access to it, especially in the lowest income areas which are disproportionately affected by alcohol usage 

Why is it argued that MUP is ineffective in tackling inequalities? 

Those who face addictions, which affects those in low income areas disproportionately, will often pay the 65p/unit as they aren’t offered supports to tackle the their addictions. Income and wealth inequalities are negatively impacted due to the price of alcohol. 

How many parents in Scotland avoided financial strain because of the baby box?

9 in 10 Scottish parents said that the baby box scheme saved them from potential financial strain.

Why does the government argue that the baby box is effective in tackling inequalities?

The baby box provides all of the essentials for a newborn free of charge, including food, clothes, and contraception for parents. The box also doubles up as a cot. 

Why is it argued that the baby box is ineffective in tackling inequalities? 

The baby box provides a one time support system for newborn parents and doesn’t extend support, significantly impacting the most socioeconomically deprived. The number of baby banks in Scotland has drastically increased as well as usage of them. 

What is the increase in introduction of baby banks in Scotland following the introduction of the baby bank scheme?

Since the introduction of baby boxes, the number of baby banks in Scotland has increased by 200%.