New campaign to battle hidden poverty and inequality

A campaign is being launched to tackle inequality across Perthshire.

The Fairness Commission was established last year to examine the extent, causes and impacts of poverty across the region, while looking at the causes and impacts of poverty.

Councillors have approved the group’s latest report, Fairer Futures, which recommends setting up a public awareness drive to reduce stigma, while appointing community planning partners to take work forward.

The commission will particularly focus on reducing child poverty.

Its chairman, Councillor Archie MacLellan, said: “We were honoured to have a range of experienced and passionate people on the commission, who were totally committed to listening to and learning from local communities.

“We found good work being done, but a need to do more and to apply best practice across the whole area.”

Commissioner George Dodds, director of health equity at NHS Health Scotland, added: “It has been humbling to be part of this commission and to hear from people across Perth and Kinross who have experienced some great service and support.

“Inevitably though, we heard how inequality can still make life more difficult than it needs to be for some citizens.

“I would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to tell us about their lives, as well as the many professionals across all sectors who provide services to residents in need.”

He said the report marked the beginning of the group’s next stage.

Commissioner Alison Todd, chief executive of Children 1st, added: “Perth and Kinross has a reputation as a prosperous area.

“But look a little closer and you will find the significant inequalities that we describe in this report: people who are discriminated against simply because they do not have the resources that others do.”