A caring social security system that provides an adequate income is a vital lifeline that should be there for all of us when we need it. In our response to a consultation by the Scottish Parliament Social Justice & Social Security Committee, we say that although the Scottish Child Payment has already had a demonstrably … Read more
We built our social security system so that everyone — especially those who most it — have stability and freedom to prosper and thrive in an uncertain world. For too long, successive governments have weakened our social security system, so that more and more people are being allowed to fall into unjust poverty. There has … Read more
Poverty is gendered with women more likely to experience poverty compared to men at all points in their life. This is our joint response with the Scottish Women’s Budget Group to the Commons Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into how women are being affected by the cost of living crisis. In it, we outline how … Read more
The Commons Work & Pensions Committee is looking into how DWP supports vulnerable benefit claimants and whether its approach to safeguarding needs to change. In our response we call for the increased importance and recognition of ‘Vulnerable Claimants’ engaging with DWP services. We highlight the importance of the conceptualisation and operationalisation of vulnerable claimants, experiences … Read more
Poverty is a breach of our fundamental human rights. The incorporation of international human rights treaties is urgently needed to provide dignity for all, complementing our aims to see Scotland free from the grip of poverty. We therefore strongly welcome the consultation on a Human Rights Bill for Scotland. You can read our consultation response … Read more
Investment in our public services through progressive taxation is fundamental to creating and sustaining a just economy and a compassionate society. In our response to the Scottish Government consultation on Council Tax, we say that – nearly 25 years after the establishment of the Scottish Parliament – now is the time to stop tinkering on … Read more
Our response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the Draft Energy Strategy and Net Zero Plan says that the plans lack detail in too many areas, putting at risk the benefits that could flow to all of us from new energy models – and especially to those on low incomes. Our response demonstrates how solutions … Read more
A just and compassionate Scotland is one that recognises the wellbeing of all its citizens as central to a successful nation. We’ve made progress in bringing that message into Government in recent years – and we now have a Cabinet Minister for a Wellbeing Economy. But to really build an economy that is focused on … Read more
The Community Wealth Building (CWB).approach to economic development has the potential to advance a more equal Scotland, embedding our shared values of justice and compassion to tackle inequality at the local level. Examples of CWB models from Scotland, including North Ayrshire, and globally, including Cleveland, highlight that this approach can enable communities to be more … Read more
A functioning social security system provides people with an anchor to protect them from being swept into poverty. A fundamental principle of this approach is that the level of financial support awarded to households must provide enough to cover essential needs and allow a life of dignity. Our current social security system is failing on … Read more
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