MSPs and campaigners are coming together to shine a light on the reality of living in poverty in rural Scotland. Today the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group (GPG) on Poverty has launched an inquiry into poverty in rural Scotland – exploring its impacts on people’s lives, and looking at its causes and solutions. Group convener … Read more
Reacting to today’s statement by the First Minister, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “We welcome the Scottish Government’s focus on three missions around equality, opportunity and community. However, the test for the First Minister will be delivery of these ambitions and the difference that is made in people’s lives. “In that context … Read more
Reacting to the election of Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and prospective First Minister, Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “During his campaign, Humza Yousaf told Poverty Alliance members that action on poverty and inequality should be the defining mission of his leadership. We agree, and we look forward to working with our new First … Read more
Listen to our Ruth Boyle commenting on today’s Scottish poverty figures https://www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/poverty_alliance_ruth_boyle_230323.mp3 Commenting on today’s release of estimates of Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland 2019-22, Poverty Alliance Policy & Campaigns Manager Ruth Boyle said: “The injustice of poverty is continuing to impact the life chances, health and wellbeing of too many people across Scotland. … Read more
Commenting on today’s UK Budget, Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “People in the UK believe in justice and compassion. But today’s Budget will strike fear into the hearts of millions. “The Chancellor’s decision to widen the callous and ineffective sanctions regime is completely wrong. Our unjust economy simply doesn’t offer people the kind of … Read more
The three candidates to be the next leader of the SNP, who will become First Minister, are to face questions about how they will work to end poverty and inequality in Scotland. The Poverty Alliance and The Robertson Trust have organised an online hustings, seeking the views of Kate Forbes, Ash Regan, and Humza Yousaf … Read more
In a report published today the Cross Party Group on Poverty in the Scottish Parliament says that bias against people in poverty affects their mental health and wellbeing, makes it harder to access the support they are entitled to, lessens their educational chances, and makes policies designed to tackle poverty less effective. Group convener Pam … Read more
Responding to the latest shop price index figures from the British Retail Consortium / NielsenIQ, Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “Government has a moral responsibility to protect people from rocketing costs. “That’s especially true for the poorest households – because inflation is currently hitting them hardest. With inflation continuing to climb there … Read more
In a New Year message, Poverty Alliance Director Peter Kelly said: “Sharing, supporting and giving help to others is the foundation of our society. We reflect on it more at this time of year, but in reality, it is a constant all year round. “From donations to charities, to volunteering at foodbanks and Christmas lunches, … Read more
Tax Reacting to today’s Scottish Budget announcement, Poverty Alliance Policy and Campaigns Manager Ruth Boyle said: “We welcome the decision to use our tax powers in a progressive way to get more investment for the compassionate Scotland that people want. We hope that this will be the beginning of the Scottish Government’s efforts to use … Read more
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