What must be done to end poverty in Edinburgh

JIM McCORMICK, chair of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission, sets out the challenge to the Capital

Jim McCormick Photo: Jonathan Pow/[email protected]

THROUGHOUT the last two years, we have listened, to people experiencing poverty, the community anchors that support them, keyworkers, employers, councillors, public service officials, housing providers and taxi drivers. This rich process has uncovered new insights on how poverty is experienced in Scotland’s capital city – some arising directly from the COVID-19 pandemic – but more stemming from long-established struggles. We have in turn been shocked and inspired – I hope we have done justice to what we have learned. Our Call to Action sets out something beyond hope: it is an expectation of what the city can and must now achieve.

We have identified six broad areas for action and one cultural challenge that should serve as a lens through which each action should be approached. Edinburgh will only succeed in ending poverty if it creates the conditions for good jobs, genuinely affordable housing, income security and meaningful opportunities that drive justice and boost prospects – above all, in the city’s schools. In addition, a much sharper focus on connections across the city is needed – via digital participation, cheaper transport and creating neighbourhoods that work. These actions combined will flow through to reduced harm to people’s physical and mental health. Emergency food support should not become locked in as a fourth emergency service but serve as a gateway to other support that will ease isolation and build human connection and kindness where it has been lacking.

The common challenge running through all of our work is a cultural one. The experience of poverty is too often one of stigma, being assessed, referred and passed from pillar to post . We call on the City of Edinburgh Council and its partners in all sectors to make meaningful connections with people, to get alongside people and communities in a holistic way and put poverty prevention at the heart of their work.