Council joins in national scheme to tackle poverty
Stirling Council has been praised after it took part in a national scheme aiming to recognise issues with poverty in the area.
For the first time, the local authority participated in Challenge Poverty Week in November last year, with the aim of showing the reality of poverty faced by those in the region and showcasing potential solutions to the issue at the council level.
As part of their efforts to take part in the week, the council highlighted the measures it has in place to tackle poverty 365 days a year and organised conference and drop-in events across the city which were well attended. And the efforts to spread the message didn’t stop there, with a visit to Allan’s Primary and the Baker Street Nursery in Stirling showing pupils and staff the reality of living in poverty and during the visit with donations collected to be sent to the Start Up Stirling food bank.
The 2019 campaign was noted by councillors on the community planning and regeneration committee, with an agreement made to take part this year.
Committee’s convener Cllr Chris Kane said:“Addressing all forms of poverty in our communities is one of the council’s six key priorities.
“Although our work in this important area goes on 365 days a year, embracing this week-long campaign was a very worthwhile exercise, providing us with an opportunity to showcase a number of transformative initiatives, share good practice and forge new partnerships. Work is already underway to increase the effectiveness of this year’s campaign which will include greater engagement with local communities to shape our efforts to tackle this national issue.
“The proportion of children living in poverty in Stirling is below the national average at 19 per cent, but those involved with the campaign are keen to stress disparities remain in the categories of income and life expectancy.”