Poverty panel will tackle ‘unacceptable’ inequality

Independent commissioners appointed to help the Scottish Government tackle “unacceptable” levels of poverty and inequality have been announced.

Those appointed to the Poverty and Inequality Commission include David Eiser from the Fraser of Allander Institute, Poverty Alliance board member Hugh Foy and Sally Witcher of Inclusion Scotland.

They are joined by Katie Schmuecker of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and ex-Poverty Truth Commissioner Caroline Kennedy.

The government’s former independent poverty adviser, Naomi Eisenstadt, had previously been announced as deputy chairwoman along with Kaliani Lyle, and a further member will be announced in the coming weeks.

The two-year commission will provide independent advice to Scottish ministers and scrutinise how government budgets, policy and practice can impact on poverty and inequality.

One of the first tasks will be giving advice on the first child poverty delivery plan due in April next year.

Commission chairman Douglas Hamilton said the appointments he has made “will ensure we can address the issues that need to be considered with a great degree of expertise”.

He added: “Each of the commissioners also brings a strong personal commitment to playing their part in addressing the unacceptable levels of poverty and inequality in Scotland.”

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said she was delighted to see such a strong panel.