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Read the latest news on poverty in Scotland.

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Child poverty an injustice Scotland has to put right

Click here to read our latest child poverty briefing! https://www.povertyalliance.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PTT-20230613-WA0007.mp3 Reacting to the Scottish Government’s annual tackling child poverty progress report, Ruth Boyle, Campaigns & Policy Manager at the Poverty Alliance, said: “Far too many of Scotland’s children have their life chances restricted and restrained because of unjust poverty. That’s an injustice that we can … Read more

First Minister Humza Yousaf at anti-poverty summit April 2023 (c) The Scottish Government

Fighting poverty needs strong public investment through tax

Reacting to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy today, Ruth Boyle, Policy & Campaigns Manager at the Poverty Alliance, said: “We know that more people across Scotland are being trapped in the grip of unjust poverty. Our government has a moral responsibility to help those people, and now is not the time … Read more

Asylum seeker rights in action research briefing

Asylum seekers denied their full rights to education in Scotland

New research says that Scotland is robbing people in the asylum system of dignity and respect by failing to offer them equal access to further and higher education. Research – supported by the Poverty Alliance – has uncovered first-hand evidence of the devastating barriers faced by those seeking asylum when it comes to accessing university … Read more

The First Minister's Scottish Anti-Poverty Summit - 3 May 2023

Now is not the time to roll back on free school meals

Watch our Communities & Networks Manager David Reilly and Terry McTernan of Darkwood Crew talking about the summit on STV’s Scotland Tonight. https://www.povertyalliance.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/scotnight_030623.mp4 Listen to Peter Kelly speaking about the poverty summit on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme. https://www.povertyalliance.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sequence-01.mp3    Commenting on reports around the expansion of universal free school meals in Scotland, … Read more

Man walking through snowy countryside

Parliament group to shine a light on rural poverty

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

Scottish Parliament MSP Offices

Test for First Minister is in the difference changes make to people’s lives

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

Tackling poverty is Humza Yousaf’s defining mission

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

A woman looks worried about her empty purse

‘Stable’ poverty rates are nothing to celebrate

Listen to our Ruth Boyle commenting on today’s Scottish poverty figures https://www.povertyalliance.me/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

UK Government Red Despatch Boxes

Budget will strike fear into the hearts of millions

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 Scottish Poverty and Inequality Leadership Hustings

Leadership candidates to be quizzed on poverty and inequality

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

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