A BILL to tackle child poverty, which was unanimously approved at its first stage by the Scottish Parliament, has been welcomed by local elected members.

MSPs agreed to the general principles of the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill, which will set statutory targets to reduce the number of children in poverty by 2030.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “The Institute of Fiscal Studies forecast that across the UK child poverty will impact on over five million children by 2022, due to damaging policies introduced by the UK Tory Government.

“It has tried to sweep rising child poverty under the carpet by scrapping reduction targets, abolishing its child poverty unit and removing the child poverty component of its social mobility commission.

“This Bill is a major step forward as we look to give our children the best start in life.”

Jamie Greene MSP for West Scotland added: “Child poverty is a problem not just across Scotland.

“It’s evident in the UK and every country in the European Union. We should remember that this will not be solved with one party alone, but we can begin to take the rights steps. This Bill will not be a magic wand, but it will be a start. Poverty is still too ripe across North Ayrshire and Inverclyde.

“We must now work to strengthen the Bill, make sure there are real targets so we can measure progress.”

The Bill will now progress through Stage 2, where it can be amended at Committee before coming before the whole Parliament again to further amend and then agree or reject it at Stage 3 before seeking Royal Assent and becoming law