“While we want to see a transition from oil and LPG to other forms of heating this cannot happen overnight or without consultation, as seems to have happened here. |”
The team heard stories of illegal evictions, difficulty finding housing, homelessness, fuel poverty and landlords neglecting repair jobs in Orkney.
“The pandemic has exposed the extent and the impact on care of this crumbling infrastructure.” Jon Skewes, Executive Director for External Relations at the RCM
In the short term, a recent report by the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, has shown some cause for optimism.
“My proposal to enshrine the UN-recognised Right to Food in Scots Law would be a significant step forward in the fight against food poverty and provide a legal right to food.” Elaine Smith MSP
“The Scottish Welfare Fund is an important example of the kind of action the SNP has taken to ensure there is additional financial support in place for people in Orkney coping with the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. “
“when there’s twelve billion pounds available for Serco but the food cupboard is bare – then we must conclude that we are asking the wrong questions of the wrong people.”
£20million from the Scottish Welfare fund is to be used flexibly and £10million to provide free school meals.
“More and more families across Scotland are facing financial hardship, but the SNP Government are failing to provide the direct and immediate support needed. “
Over 14 million already in poverty, 1.6million used food banks last year, and the impact of Brexit is still to come.
