On 19 May 2020, Edinburgh Poverty Commissioners, Betty Stevenson, Chris Kilkenny and Zoe Ferguson joined other Poverty Truth style groups in a teleconference with the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP, to discuss the challenges being faced because of the coronavirus pandemic.
This week (8 June), the Minister has written to the Commission:
“I just wanted to say thank you to all of you and all of the Commissioners for taking part in the call on 19 May. It was thought provoking and challenging to hear from you about the types of issues facing those with experience of poverty during the Covid-19 crisis. I was heartened to hear that the efforts we are making to support communities is having a positive impact, although I appreciate that there is more to be done…
Moving forward we will look at the lessons learned through this crisis, including the inspiring community effort, and will continue to work with you to build a fairer and more prosperous country for all.”
Our interim report on the impact of coronavirus on people living in poverty in Edinburgh can be read here.
We will publish our final report in autumn 2020.
Photo courtesy of the Scottish Government.