President Danny Collins adds signature to

First Minister’s letter

On behalf of SSVP Scotland, President Danny Collins has signed an open letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, calling for additional funds to be made available for low income families during the Coronavirus crisis.

Over 100 charities, faith groups, think tanks and academics have come together in concerns over how low income families are struggling with the impact of losing jobs or being furloughed during lockdown.

Peter Kelly, Director of Poverty Alliance, said:

“Even before the current crisis, one in four children in Scotland were growing up in poverty. But in the last month we have seen record levels of applications for Universal Credit as people lose their jobs or see their working hours reduced.

“While many of us are struggling, families who were already getting by on low incomes have been hardest hit. Women have been particularly affected because they are more likely to live in poverty, have disproportionate responsibility for childcare and account for 91% of lone parents.

“Unless we take action now, there can be no doubt we are facing a child poverty crisis. The Scottish Government needs to use every tool in its box to protect children and families by putting money in people’s pockets.”

Read the full article and letter to First Minister here https://www.povertyalliance.org/campaigners-call-for-emergency-cash-boost-to-prevent-child-poverty-crisis/