The solutions to poverty are not so elusive

ALF Young (February 23) is wrong in his arithmetic to suggest abolishing poverty, as defined in terms of "relative" low income, would require taxation of 100% on those earning little more than the average wage. Our governments have been elected on commitments to eradicate child poverty defined in just such relative terms. Significant progress, while not nearly fast enough, is being made. It is perfectly possible to raise everyone above the poverty line (as defined by living in a household with less than 60% of median income) without drawing everyone down to below 60% above the median, or requiring the extreme taxation Alf Young claims. International comparisons reinforce the point - Scandinavian countries achieve "relative" child poverty rates, which if not yet zero, are far closer to zero.