A MAJORITY of Scots want the government to do more to tackle poverty, a poll found today.

The survey for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that 73 per cent of people in Scotland believe poverty can be significantly reduced, 63 per cent believe that the government could do more to achieve this and 77 per cent support the concept of a minimum income guarantee.

The charity said that all political parties must respond to the public’s demand for more action on poverty ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.

Poverty is a particularly important issue for young people, the poll found, with 38 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds saying that it was among their top three issues.

Chris Birt, JRF deputy director for Scotland, said: “We need to see ambitious and detailed plans from all parties that outline how they can achieve their promise.

“Meeting these targets would mean freeing tens of thousands of children from the grip of poverty, allowing them instead to grow up healthy, safe and ready to thrive as adults.”