Crisis a chance ‘to start from scratch’

A HOLYROOD minister believes the Covid-19 crisis gives Scotland the chance to “start from scratch” in how it supports vulnerable people.

Aileen Campbell, cabinet secretary for communities and local government, said efforts to improve the UK after the Second World War were a possible blueprint for societal change now.

When asked by the Tele if the pandemic represented a chance for Scotland to start from scratch, the MSP for Clydesdale said: “I think so, I think it’s got to be.

“Covid-19 has impacted everybody, just like the Second World War. And what came from that, because of the desire to not go back to the old ways, was the birth of the NHS and the start of the welfare state and I think there is a bit of space and there’s an appetite for a bit of a rethink and a re-balance – a renewal, and reform of what we do.

“I think that’s exciting territory. I think there’s an appetite for it.”

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Ms Campbell added: “There is more understanding of what matters and what we should value in society. And, I have to say, that that’s probably what keeps me going through this, as well as to think that from it there can be something that’s bigger and better than what we had in the past.

“That’s going to be challenging because there’s not the same amount of money to deliver it, but that means we’re going to need to think critically about how do we sift down and prioritise what matters, support that, and build back.”

Dundee City Council leader John Alexander, agreed, and said the “biggest failure” of the virus outbreak would be to not do anything.

He said the pandemic has illustrated the benefits of partnership working and the way communities have rallied to support vulnerable people.

In addition it had flagged up the importance of having more flexible approaches to working patterns and prioritising family.

He said: “I was on a call recently with a major organisation in the city – they saw working from home as a major barrier for the vast majority of their workforce.

“There were calls for changes to be able to work from home and (the firm said) it would take them years to get to that space – and within a matter of weeks they had everybody working from home.

“It just shows you what you can do when your back’s against the wall.”

Aileen Campbell