Tackling Rising Poverty

Councillors in Fife say they're committed to tackling poverty in one of the region's poorest areas.

Earlier this week a report highlighted the 28% of children in Glenrothes who live in hardship.

Cllr Altany Craik, Chair of Glenrothes Area Committee said: "Tackling poverty is the top priority for Fife Council.

"Glenrothes Area Committee is focused on supporting welfare reform in the Glenrothes area. Our most immediate priority is to support people who are being sanctioned or at risk of it. By working with partner organisations, we're able to help people:

• access Glenrothes Foodbank
• regain financial stability through crisis loans
• into the job market, through job clubs and easy access to the internet.

"Sadly, there's no quick fix for some of the big challenges we face. By continuing to work together, we'll make a positive difference to the lives of people in the Glenrothes area."

Councillor Altany Craik tells us benefit sanctions are causing the biggest problem: