Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, Debbie Horne, sets out why tackling pensioner poverty must be a priority. For months now we’ve seen headlines about the spiraling cost of living, which is having a devastating impact on people’s ability to get by. But as many of us know, struggling to afford essentials … Read more
Anti-poverty campaigners are today calling on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to end the ‘unjust’ benefit cap – as new figures show that the numbers affected could rocket next year. The benefit cap was introduced by the UK Government in 2013. It blocks households from getting all the help they are entitled to from the social security … Read more
An anti-poverty charity says the Queen’s Jubilee is an opportunity to safeguard the future of the UK’s flagship social security system by establishing a new Royal Commission into the Future of Social Security. When Queen Elizabeth took the throne in 1952, the UK had just started creating a modern welfare state, with the National Insurance … Read more
Reacting to today’s statement from Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said: “People in Scotland believe that government has a moral obligation to help make sure everyone has enough to live a dignified life, and that no-one lives with the injustice of poverty. That’s even more true during a time … Read more
Reacting to today’s statement from the Chancellor, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said: “Government should be about making sure everyone can live a dignified life, and finding the courage and compassion to tackle poverty and inequality. “We’re pleased that the Chancellor has finally listened to calls for a windfall tax on energy companies … Read more
Reacting to today’s Audit Scotland report on Social Security Scotland, Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “Our social security system should be there to address the injustice of poverty, but over the years the UK system has been systematically undermined. It no longer provides the support people need to live a dignified life. “Devolved social … Read more
Reacting to today’s Queen’s Speech, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance said: “People want a UK Government that believes in compassion and justice, and in making sure everyone can live a dignified life. This Queen’s Speech has failed to live up to those values. “People in poverty are struggling to keep their heads above … Read more
Candidates in May’s local elections are being urged to take a pledge to tackle poverty in their communities. The pledge shows that candidates support the measures in a new manifesto, launched today (Thu 21) by the Poverty Alliance, including prioritising poverty as an issue, boosting incomes, improving local services, and strengthening communities. Poverty Alliance director … Read more
The Poverty Alliance has launched a new information leaflet, to help parents and carers apply for the Scottish Child Payment. The Scottish Child Payment from Social Security Scotland is worth £80 every four weeks for each eligible child aged under 6. For children aged between 6 and 16, you may be eligible for a bridging … Read more
Reacting to the publication of new statistics on poverty in Scotland and across the UK, Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “In a compassionate society like ours, we believe in looking after one another and protecting each other from harm. But these new figures show that we are failing to put that compassion into practice. … Read more
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