Reducing poverty and social disparities in Lithuania
Reducing poverty remains an important challenge, and the COVID-19-crisis may further
reinforce social vulnerabilities. Although it has declined lately, relative poverty
remains high in international comparison and is distributed unevenly across population
groups with the elderly, people with disabilities, lone parents, the low-educated
and the unemployed being particularly affected. A comprehensive approach is required
to ensure an effective transition out of poverty and social exclusion. Reforms should
strengthen income protection by ensuring that cash benefits provide adequate and tailored
support to those in need. An individual-based approach is also essential for the provision
of social services to reduce deficits in important areas such as social housing and
long-term care for the elderly. Equity in educational opportunity and outcomes could
be strengthened further, starting at the early school years, as not all children benefit
from early childhood education and care services. Progress in this domain is also
crucial for striking a better work-family balance and improving work incentives. More
and better quality jobs in the formal sector, especially for the low-skilled, are
crucial for reducing poverty. Enlarged participation in life-long learning programmes
can help re-skilling and up-skilling towards higher incomes. Increased spending on
well-designed labour market activation policies is also important for tackling poverty
effectively.
Published on December 22, 2020
In series:OECD Economics Department Working Papersview more titles