Please click the links below to access the SWC consultation documents

• Free School Meals Response

In Scotland between 27% and 34% of children live in relative poverty. By providing Free School Meals this is one of the ways the Scottish Executive can ensure that children get a more balanced and nutritious diet.  According to Frances Curran's report less than half of Scottish school age children living in poverty are entitled to or taking free school meals, and as many as 150,000 Scottish children at risk of material deprivation are currently not in receipt of free school meals.

• Adult Entertainment Activity Response

It is the aim of the SWC, as far as possible, to reflect the diverse views of the women within our networks. We are ever mindful to respect the views of women who are all too often marginalised whilst also refusing to condone activity which is incompatible with work on gender equality and on violence against women.

There has been overwhelming concern expressed within our networks that the multi-billion pound 'adult entertainment industry' and the activities within it violate women and children's right to safety and equality and that 'normalising' this industry affects the consciousness of everyone and is thus detrimental to society.

• Building on our Success: Improving Modern Apprenticeships

The response to this consultation details the views of the SWC which, through its Women and Poverty Policy Group, has been looking at a range of issues that affect women’s poverty in Scotland. The response was drafted with the support of the Oxfam UK Poverty Programme and the Poverty Alliance, both members of the SWC Steering Group and co-conveners of the Women and Poverty Policy Group. We also received information from the Scottish Low Pay Unit which is a member of the Women and Poverty Policy Group.