14 May 2009
Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy today held the first poverty advisory group set up to advise the UK Government on the impact of the economic downturn on the poorest in Scottish society. Attended by key players in the field of social policy in Scotland, the discussion highlighted many practical steps the Government can take in response to these challenges.
Gareth Thomas MP, Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform joined the meeting via video link from London and led a discussion on credit unions, money lending and the work already underway to increase access to debt advice across the UK. He also provided an update on recent Government announcements such as an intention to ban unsolicited credit card cheques and credit limit increases.
Jim Murphy said
"One of the issues raised at this afternoon¿s meeting was the need to make sure that people are aware of the local support and advice networks that are available to them. This is just one of many suggestions that Gareth and I will progress to help ensure that the economic downturn does not have a disproportionate affect on the most vulnerable in our society".
He added:
"The UK Government has - and will continue to take decisive action to help families, pensioners and the unemployed through these unprecedented times. We have already made an additional investment of £1.7bn in JobCentre Plus services to respond to rising unemployment and initiatives such as the support for mortgage interest scheme has already helped over 23,000 people in Scotland on certain benefits - with their mortgage interest payments to help them stay in their home".
The next meeting of the poverty advisory group will take place before the summer.