Help Talking-up Scotland keep going

Crowdfunder at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-talking-up-scotland-keep-going

Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421

From Ending Destitution Together: Phase Two Delivery Plan, published yesterday:

What is destitution?

Destitution should be unthinkable in a modern Scotland. However, it remains a daily reality for many people who have moved here to work, study, join family, or seek sanctuary from violence and persecution. Nobody should be forced into destitution. People who are subject to the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition are members of our communities and we should be able to support them at times of crisis.

The Ending Destitution Together (EDT) strategy, launched in March 2021, was designed to prevent and mitigate destitution, regardless of someone’s immigration status. The first strategy of its kind in the UK, it sought to clearly set out the impact of the NRPF condition on people living in our communities and the risks that arise from NRPF which can force people into destitution. The strategy was informed by powerful testimony from people with lived experience; knowledge from third sector organisations providing frontline support; and the expertise of local authorities, legal practitioners and public services. The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) have worked tirelessly with partners across the sector to continue to deliver the vision and principles of the strategy and provide vital support to destitute households in Scotland. Since 2021, the Scottish Government has invested at least £500,000 each year to support the most destitute in Scotland. https://www.gov.scot/publications/ending-destitution-together-phase-two-delivery-plan/pages/1/

What is destitution?

A person is destitute if they do not have adequate accommodation, or means of obtaining it, whether or not their essential living needs are met. Or, where they have adequate accommodation, or means of obtaining it, but can’t meet other essential living needs. Destitution is absolute poverty, where people cannot afford essentials they need to be safe, warm and fed. It has a severe impact on health and wellbeing. https://www.gov.scot/publications/ending-destitution-together-phase-two-delivery-plan/pages/3/

What does published research tell us about the effectiveness of otherwise of the above Scottish Government actions?

Regional/national rates:

• Highest: London (~1.31%), followed by North East and North West of England.
• Relatively high: West Midlands, and rates also elevated in parts of the North.
• Wales: ~0.90% (below the Great Britain average of ~0.92%); rose faster than many English regions (except London) since 2019.
• Scotland: ~0.81% (below the GB average); experienced by far the lowest increase since 2019 (improving its relative position). This is linked in part to policies like the Scottish Child Payment. https://pure.hw.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/103278482/Technical_Report_Destitution_in_the_UK_2023_ProofedFinal2.pdf

Help Talking-up Scotland keep going

Crowdfunder at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-talking-up-scotland-keep-going

Or by direct bank transfer to: JOHN WATSON ROBERTSON Sort Code – 08-91-04 Account – 12266421