A stock photo of a bike and fishing boats representing rural Scotland.

News: Rural idylls can hide poverty injustice

A cross-party group of MSPs and campaigners is asking the Scottish Government to take a closer look at the ‘injustice’ of poverty in Scotland’s rural communities. In a new report, the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Poverty says higher costs for fuel, energy, transport, food, and housing are pulling too many people in rural Scotland … Read more

John Swinney MSP (c) The Scottish Government

News: New FM must show leadership on poverty and fair taxes

Our director Peter Kelly, interviewed on BBC Good Morning Scotland, Wednesday 8 May. https://www.povertyalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/XRecorder_Edited_08052024_071952.mp4 Reacting to the Scottish Parliament’s decision to support John Swinney as First Minister, Poverty Alliance director Peter Kelly said: “The election of a new First Minister is a moment of choice about the direction of our country. We know that people … Read more

A stock image of protesters, with a sign saying 'System Change, not Climate Change'

News: Broken climate pledges undermine trust in democracy and will hit poorest hardest

Responding to an announcement by the Scottish Government on its climate emission targets, Peter Kelly, Director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “Democracy relies on political leaders keeping their promises to the people. Today’s announcement will undermine trust in the Scottish Government, and we call on all MSPs to carry out their duty to hold ministers … Read more

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News: Poverty numbers show urgent need to raise social investment

Download audio from here. Responding to today’s statistics on Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland, Ruth Boyle, Policy & Campaigns Manager at The Poverty Alliance, said: “People in Scotland want a society where we look out for each other and end the injustice of poverty. We can achieve that, but only if we turn those values … Read more

UK Government Red Despatch Boxes

News: Budget give-aways won’t help tackle poverty

Reacting to today’s Spring Budget, Peter Kelly, director of The Poverty Alliance, said: “People want a society based on justice and compassion, where everyone has a solid foundation to build a better life. This Budget doesn’t deliver that. “National Insurance and Capital Gains Tax changes will give away huge amounts of money to the richest … Read more

Budget fails to deliver fundamental change

Responding to today’s Scottish Budget, Peter Kelly – director of The Poverty Alliance – said: “The foundation of our society and our economy is the public good we’ve created together. But it’s been weakened badly. Sadly, this Scottish Budget fails to deliver the fundamental changes we need to address poverty. “We called for the Scottish … Read more

Scottish anti-poverty charities back tax calls ahead of Scottish Budget

Two leading Scottish anti-poverty charities have welcomed a new report by the Scottish Trades Unions Congress, which outlines how the Scottish Government could raise up to £3.7 billion more per year from progressive tax changes. Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “The Scottish Government faces difficult choices in the upcoming Scottish Budget, however, this … Read more

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