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Read the latest news on poverty in Scotland.

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News: Campaigners say cuts will push people towards destitution

https://www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Untitled-design.mp4 https://www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/house-1.mp4 Responding to today’s statement by Liz Kendall MP, Poverty Alliance policy & campaigns manager Ruth Boyle said: “People in the UK are desperate for a government that delivers a just and compassionate country. They want to see an end to deepening poverty, debt, destitution, and hunger in their communities. Many will be distressed, … Read more

Social security is a right - Scowr

News: Stand together to protect our social security rights

Listen to our Ruth Boyle with Tressa Burke of the Glasgow Disability Alliance, talking about these cuts with Fiona Stalker on BBC Radio Scotland’s Drivetime programme on 5 March 2025. Responding to reports that the Chancellor has submitted plans for massive social security cuts to the Office of Budget Responsibility, Poverty Alliance chief executive said: … Read more

News: New toolkit to support workers and businesses in hospitality sector

Click here for the toolkit! Click here for the research! An exciting new toolkit aimed at supporting workers and businesses within Scotland’s hospitality sector has been launched today.   The Tourism and Hospitality toolkit is aimed at supporting the growth and success of Scotland’s hospitality sector by providing a one-stop shop with the tools and … Read more

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News: People on low incomes need council tax action now

Anti-poverty campaigners say yet another consultation about local government finance must lead to an end to the ‘unjust and regressive’ council tax. Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People across Scotland want local services that support a just and compassionate society. We need a fair system of local taxation to support those local services. … Read more

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News: Unjust council tax has to go

The council tax is unjust and regressive and has to be replaced with a fairer alternative that unlocks Scotland’s wealth to invest in the public good. That was the message from our Policy & Campaigns Manager Ruth Boyle when she spoke with BBC Good Morning Scotland today. She pointed out that political leaders in Holyrood … Read more

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News: Social security is vital to end child poverty

Reacting to speeches by Anas Sarwar MSP and First Minister John Swinney, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “Scotland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, making our current trends on child homelessness and our deepening poverty not only unjust, but entirely unnecessary. We know it doesn’t have to be like this. … Read more

Blog: 2025 can be a year for justice and compassion

Peter Kelly, Chief Executive, The Poverty Alliance The end of the year is the time for reflection, and as we move into the holiday season, it should also be a time for hope. As we at the Poverty Alliance look back over the last year we see much to make us hopeful, despite the significant … Read more

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News: New report uncovers Roma people’s housing challenges

Read the report here! New research has uncovered how Roma people in the Govanhill area of Glasgow are being denied their right to adequate housing. Community researchers from the Roma rights group Romano Lav asked local people to record their experiences of housing in the area. Some of those taking part reported shocking conditions including … Read more

News: Welcome for budget pledges on unjust two-child limit

Responding to today’s Scottish Government draft budget, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “The two-child limit is a huge injustice that has no place in a compassionate society – because every child matters and every child should get support they need. “We welcome the Scottish Government’s proposals today, and we hope that the UK … Read more

UK Government Red Despatch Boxes

News – Chancellor must do more to support people in poverty

Responding to today’s UK Budget, Poverty Alliance chief executive Peter Kelly said: “People across the UK believe in a nation based on justice and compassion. Today’s Budget was an opportunity for the Chancellor to turn those values into action, and to rebuild trust in government. Despite some welcome changes, there is still some way to … Read more

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