Call for visit to assess poverty
Scottish Government Ministers need to visit West Lothian if they want to see the best way of tackling poverty.
That was the message from a meeting of the council’s Executive when they considered a response to a Holyrood consultation on the practical actions that can be taken to end the need for foodbanks.
Government consultation papers presented to the executive suggested the works that are already under way.
The Government consultation document opened with: “The Scottish Government has committed to beginning work to deliver a Minimum Income Guarantee, to help ensure that everyone in Scotland can live healthy, financially secure and fulfilling lives.
“We have met our commitment to engage with stakeholders within the first 100 days of this government to start considering how it can be delivered, and have invited cross-party and expert representatives to form a Steering Group to progress delivery.
The papers added: “This work will also incorporate the idea of Universal Basic Services, which by ensuring people have access to the provision of basic services - such as childcare for example - contributes to ensuring a minimum standard of living.”
There was broad agreement with the response to the consultation by staff from the council’s anti-poverty service.
Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan, Labour deputy leader, said: “I have heard the manager of the foodbank say on umpteen
occasions that her aim is not to have a foodbank anymore.
“I think that the support structures that we have in place work very well. I think it would be good if the Scottish Government came to see some of the good practice going on in West Lothian.”
West Lothian’s foodbank helped feed more than 10,000 adults and children last year.
Councillor Sullivan added: “I think everyone would agree there should not be a need for foodbanks but the reality is the need exists and has been increasing in recent years with the pressures of the pandemic and the rising cost of living.
“The levers of change rest with both the UK and Scottish governments and whilst they fail to address the underlying issues driving economic hardship, it is crucial that people know they can access help and support based on dignity and respect.
“Here in West Lothian we have a holistic approach to dealing with food insecurity based on dignity, lived experience, and partnership working. Many of the proposals mentioned in this consultation are already happening here in West Lothian such as the co-location of advice services with food support. West Lothian Council will continue to work with local community partners and volunteers
to ensure local people can access help, support and advice to see them through these difficult times.”
SNP depute group leader Councillor Frank Anderson said: “We welcome this response to the consultation and would echo what it says. This is the 21st century but in many was its is worse and Victorian Dickensian poverty.”
He raised a general question regarding the circulation of the report a week before it has to be lodged with Holyrood. Councillor Anderson said he appreciated that the political groups had seen the details but argued that councillors should have had more time to consider them.