A report into poverty and inequality in Highland was presented to Highland Council today (Thursday 25 June) with members agreeing to a further workshop in August to examine the issues raised by the fi
The independent Highland Poverty and Equality Commission’s final report, Essential Elements, follows nine months of extensive engagement across the region.
The commission, which was co-chaired by Maggie Cunningham and Jim McCormick, delivered a clear, core message: Poverty in the Highlands is real, damaging and costly, but it is not inevitable.
Their collective call to action is aimed at government, the council and community planning partners from across the third sector.
In noting the work and the final report from the commission, council members agreed to a workshop in August to discuss in more detail the rationale behind the calls for action and explore potential solutions.
A further report setting out the implications and early actions for implementation will be considered at the next meeting of the council.
The Highland Poverty and Equality Commission report was formally launched on Thursday at New Start Highland in Inverness, an organisation which helps people towards positive change following a time of crisis in their lives.
Co-Chairs Jim McCormick and Maggie Cunningham said: “Poverty is not a force of nature that cannot be changed. We have seen in our past, and still see today in some neighbouring societies, that poverty can be reduced substantially.
“What sustains our hope are the bright spots we have encountered. These are often community anchors of many shapes and sizes, building the connections in everyday life that enable us to live better lives.”
James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, and commission member, said: “I welcome the publication of this report and the focus it brings tackling poverty and inequality across the Highlands.
“It was important for New Start Highland to contribute to the Commission’s work, sharing the experience, evidence and voices of people we support every day to help shape its recommendations.
“The report reflects the need for a collective approach between communities, organisations and public bodies working together to create meaningful change. However, the real measure of its success will be the action that follows.
“I look forward to working with partners to turn these recommendations into practical steps that create positive change for individuals and families facing poverty.”
Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: “We welcome the publication of the Highland Poverty and Equality Commission’s final report following an extensive period of research and engagement across Highland.
“The findings underline the challenge and the opportunities we have to make a difference by working together.
“Highland councillors gave cross-party support to the creation of the commission. Reducing poverty and inequality must remain a shared priority for us all, and this report reinforces the importance of working together across services and communities to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
The report was commissioned by The Highland Council and its Community Planning Partners from across public services, charities, and community organisations. They will all now share in the challenge of responding to the calls to action.