"Practical Solutions" To End Poverty

People across Scotland who have experienced hardship are being a voice on how to tackle poverty.

A nationwide consultation has been launched by the Scottish Government seeking practical solutions to deprivation and poor employment prospects.

Ministers say charities, councils, public bodies, businesses of all sizes, and trade unions will also play a pivotal role.

Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil launched the national discussion, which will take place over the summer and into autumn, in the Kirkshaws Neighbourhood Centre in Coatbridge, saying: “Tackling inequality, along with building a prosperous and competitive economy, is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s commitment to creating a better country for all. The two go hand in hand.

“The Scottish Government’s vision is for a Scotland where people are healthier, happier and treated with respect, and where opportunities, wealth and power are spread more equally. We want to discuss issues like childcare, fair work and health and hear what people believe could be done to create a better Scotland.

'No quick fixes'

“It is important that we are an open and accessible government. We want to tap into conversations many people and communities are already having throughout Scotland, rather than consult on whether or not people agree with a range of ready-made proposals.

“We recognise that it will take time to achieve our shared vision of a fair, equal and socially just Scotland. We are not looking for quick fixes or temporary measures but long lasting change that can benefit the whole nation.”

Conversations will take place across the country and online, including a series of events over the summer and autumn where people can discuss the issues that mean most to them. An action plan, with people and their priorities at its heart, will be published in the new year with milestones to the next Parliament and beyond to help us achieve our goals.

Sir Harry Burns, former Chief Medical Officer and now Professor of Global Public Health at Strathclyde University, said the Government has recognised that "the days of doing things to communities are past."

"Instead, the new approach, outlined in ‘Creating a Fairer Scotland’ is about doing things with communities." He said.

“By meeting and listening to the marginalised and excluded people of Scotland, they will hear in raw detail what it’s like to live with fear of violence, hunger, cold and addiction. If communities are genuinely involved in shaping solutions to their own problems, those solutions will be enduring and effective.”

Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance, said the launch has potential for a new approach to the problems of social injustice in Scotland.

He said: "For once, we are not being asked to comment on plans that have already been made, or to pass judgement on some blueprint after it has been developed. By entering into genuine dialogue with people across Scotland we can begin to develop lasting solutions together.”