Fifers urged to make a poverty pledge for a fairer Kingdom for all

Launch of Plan for Fife - with council co-leaders David Alexander (left) and David Ross

The challenge comes as part of Challenge Poverty Week – and is aimed at communities, businesses and individuals.

They are being encouraged by Fife Council to tell their stories about the work they’re doing to create a fairer Fife and help the Council achieve its vision of a place where everyone can reach their full potential.

The Fairer Fife Commission set out a list of recommendations for tackling poverty in Fife and the new ‘Plan for Fife’ has taken these on board.

Now, the local authority wants to encourage people and organisations to pledge what they can do.

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There is a website where pledges can be lodged or signed up to ahead of Challenge Poverty Week which starts on Monday.

The council believes it needs a co-ordinated approach to make a positive impact, faced with growing poverty levels in parts of Fife, with areas of Kirkcaldy giving most cause for concern after the introduction of Universal Credit at the end of 2017.

Co-leader David Alexander added: “Rent arrears are on the rise and foodbanks are facing unprecedented demand. It’s a situation that cannot be allowed to continue.

“We need a co-ordinated response involving the local authority, third sector, community activists and volunteers, to ensure everyone gets a fair deal.

“We are publicly renewing our pledge to do our bit to help create a fairer Fife and overcome the challenges faced by too many in our society.

“And by asking others to join us in making a public pledge we can show what is being done across the Kingdom and encourage others to get involved and tell a positive story about “Our Fife.”

Councillor Ross added: “here are lots of fantastic examples of local people who are committed to making a difference in their communities through volunteering or getting involved in local decision making.

“By working together we can make things better and fairer for all of us”

To get involved – as a group, a business or individual – visit https://fairer.fife.scot/

Challenge Poverty Week runsfrom October 1-7.

To find out more, visit www.challengepoverty.net