David Eyre 
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
In Scotland, we believe that asylum seekers are currently being denied their right to education. Here we share the experiences of asylum seekers calling for an education system that provides a ladder of hope to build a brighter future. This research was carried out as part of the Rights in Action project being conducted by … Read more
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
Linda Craik, End Poverty Edinburgh Linda Craik is a member of End Poverty Edinburgh, an independent group of citizens supported by the Poverty Alliance to raise awareness of poverty in Edinburgh, influence decision making and hold the city to account. She addressed the First Minister’s anti-poverty summit on 3 May 2023. Listen to Heather Pugh … Read more
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.org/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.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Sequence-01.mp3 Commenting on reports around the expansion of universal free school meals in Scotland, … Read more
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
This toolkit was developed as an aid to support thinking and challenging stigma at a local level to help improve outcomes for families. It was designed as part of a project by Making it Work for Families (MIWFF). This is a partnership project that brings together staff from Fife Gingerbread, Clued Up, Citizens Advice & … 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
Ahead of a Scottish Parliament debate on Supporting Scotland with Cost of Living and Reducing Child Poverty, we sent MSPs and ministers a briefing with eight key action points. You can download the briefing from here or read it in the window below. Cost of Living and Child Poverty – Scottish Government Debate
On Tuesday 18 March 2023, First Minister Humza Yousaf will make a statement in the Scottish Parliament about his priorities for government. The Poverty Alliance has prepared a briefing for ministers and MSPs in advance of the statement, setting out the policy priorities Scotland needs to tackle poverty and inequality. You can download the briefing … Read more
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