Highland Council Supporting Challenge Poverty Week 2022 (3-9 October)

6th October 2022

The Highland Council is once again supporting Challenge Poverty Week, which this year runs from 3 - 9th October.

The Scotland-wide campaign, led by the Poverty Alliance, is designed to raise awareness that poverty exists in Scotland and restricts people's ability to take part in society.

In support of the campaign, Leader of the Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner, said: "The Council has given its backing to this campaign for several years now, however, the financial backdrop this year is unique and presents unprecedented challenges for Highland citizens."

“The cost-of-living crisis we are currently experiencing illustrates that this is a pivotal year to give our support to the campaign and raise awareness of the damaging impact of poverty.”

Cllr Bremner added: “This is a challenging time for everyone in our Highland communties and the Council recently agreed a package of support to help people during what will be a difficult time.

“This includes a cost of living support payment of £145 to households in receipt of council tax reduction or exemptions; extending the existing free school meal holiday payments to include weekend provision to Easter 2023; the launch of a grant scheme to support community-led initiatives and additional support to FareShare to purchase food for distribution across the Highlands.”

He added: “It is important that people know where to go to ask for advice and information. The Council’s Welfare Support team and the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau advisers can help to identify all entitlements due and support clients to take these up.

“We know that customers receiving this support often express the relief they feel, and the positive impacts on their wellbeing.”

During Challenge Poverty Week Highland Council will take the opportunity to promote information through its social media channels about where households in Highland affected by, or at risk from, poverty, can seek help and advice.

The Poverty Alliance which organises Challenge Poverty Week reminds us that 1 in 5 people in Scotland today are living with the constant pressure of trying to get by on an insufficient income.

Low wages, inadequate social security payments, and the rising cost of living are holding people back.