West Lothian is "leading the way" in tackling poverty

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scottish Government ministers need to visit West Lothian if they want to see the best way of tackling poverty.That was the message from a meeting of the council’s Executive this week when they considered a response to a Holyrood consultation on the practical actions that can be taken to end the need for foodbanks.Government consultation papers presented to the executive suggested the works that are already under way.The Government consultation document opened with: “The Scottish Government has committed to beginning work to deliver a Minimum Income Guarantee, to help ensure that everyone in Scotland can live healthy, financially secure and fulfilling lives.“We have met our commitment to engage with stakeholders within the first 100 days of this government to start considering how it can be delivered, and have invited cross-party and expert representatives to form a Steering Group to progress delivery.The papers added: “This work will also incorporate the idea of Universal Basic Services, which by ensuring people have access to the provision of basic services - such as childcare for example - contributes to ensuring a minimum standard of living.”There was broad agreement with the response to the consultation by staff from the council’s anti-poverty service.Councillor Kirsteen Sullivan Labour deputy leader said: “ I have heard the manager of the foodbank say on umpteen occasions that her aim is not to have a foodbank anymore.“I think that the support structures that we have in place work very well.

I think it would be good if the Scottish Government came to see some of the good practice going on in West Lothian.”West Lothian’s foodbank helped feed more than 10,000 adults and children last year.Cllr Sullivan added: “I think