New commissioners appointed in drive to reduce rates of poverty
Independent commissioners appointed to help the Scottish Government tackle the country’s “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 former 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 is still to 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 2018.
Welcoming the appointments, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said: “I am delighted to see such a strong panel of representatives with a wealth of knowledge and talent. I know they will be able to draw on their wide background of experience to provide real value and influence.”