News / ‘Concerted effort’ to tackle isles inequality
A NEW commission set up to examine what needs to be done to reduce inequality in the islands will get underway on Wednesday.
Over the coming months the Tackling Inequalities Commission, set up by the Shetland Partnership, will explore what inequalities exist, why, the impact it has and what needs to be done to make Shetland society more equal.
Starting tomorrow (1 July), the commission will sit for six half-day sessions between now and December, taking evidence from a broad spectrum of organisations and individuals. A final report, including the evidence gathered, potential solutions and recommendations, will be published by March 2016.
Wednesday’s focus will be on understanding and defining inequalities in Shetland. Later sessions are to look in more detail at: household income, the EU, national and regional policy, geography and communities, and education, skills and employment.
In addition to low pay and the impact of the UK government’s welfare cuts, there are a number of isles-specific issues which have been in the spotlight in recent years.
Over 40 per cent of isles households are believed to be living in fuel poverty, while the high cost of transport both within and outwith Shetland is also viewed as a major – and growing – problem.
Meanwhile, despite boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the UK and the local economy enjoying a second energy boom, demand for the Salvation Army’s Lerwick food parcel service has swelled in the past two years.
A group of around 20 people have been invited to participate as commissioners – bringing a mixture of experience, skills and knowledge to the table.
They have been selected from the local community and from further afield, with representatives from local government umbrella body COSLA, the Poverty Alliance and the Scottish Government set to attend some sessions.
Shetland Partnership and NHS Shetland chairman Ian Kinniburgh said: “This is one of the most pressing issues facing Shetland at the moment. To reduce inequalities across our communities requires a concerted effort and commitment from everyone, which is why the Shetland Partnership is best placed to establish this commission and ensure its recommendations are carried out.”
SIC leader and Shetland Partnership vice chairman Gary Robison said: “Our commissioners come from all walks of life, and we particularly welcome the input from outside the isles, which will hopefully improve understanding of inequalities in rural areas at a national level.
“Together we will listen to evidence, understand and unpick key issues, and hopefully come up with solutions where any areas of inequality are highlighted.
“For the first time, we have the opportunity to fully understand the issues faced in Shetland and develop far-reaching recommendations which could have a significant impact on people’s lives.”
- More details about the commissioners taking part is online here, and more information on local studies into deprivation and social exclusion can be found here.
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