Work to fight poverty is a ‘sticking plaster’ on UK-wide problem
Measures aimed at tackling poverty and supporting households in Renfrewshire during the cost-of-living crisis are ultimately a “sticking plaster” amid a much wider problem, the depute council leader has conceded.
Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, an SNP representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie, applauded the work of the local authority as it tries to help those most in need during a harsh economic climate.
But she admitted there is only so much it can do as she relayed figures from the Trussell Trust which exposed the extent to which people are struggling in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
Earlier this month, the charity revealed that 55 per cent of people receiving universal credit ran out of food last month and couldn’t afford more, while 22 per cent were unable to cook hot food as they couldn’t afford to use their oven or other utilities.
Reflecting on the data, Councillor Cameron, chair of the Fairer Renfrewshire subcommittee, said: “That’s a disgrace in a country that’s as resource-rich as ours is.”
A report on the work of Fairer Renfrewshire was discussed at a leadership board meeting, providing an update on projects including Winter Connections, the lived experience panel and breakfast snack provision, among others.
It was also agreed £150,000 would be dedicated to tackling inequality in the area – an issue the council considers a key priority for 2024.
Councillor Cameron added: “I’m really happy about the little that we can do – or the most that we can do – to help in this and how we can mitigate people who are suffering in this way.
“It’s a privilege to be the convener of Fairer Renfrewshire subcommittee and the officers put in such a lot of hard work, but it’s not enough.
“As I’ve said before, it’s a sticking plaster on a much larger UK-wide problem and living in austerity for the years that we have, we see that time and time again.”
The work was also commended by Councillor Iain McMillan, Labour group leader and representative for Johnstone South and Elderslie.
He said: “The amount of work with limited resources is really terrific and is really making a huge impact on some of our communities.”
It’s a privilege to be the convenor of Fairer Renfrewshire and the officers put in a lot of hard work...