A new council committee is to sit this week with the aim of helping reduce poverty and inequality in Aberdeen.
The Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee will determine steps for the city as a whole as well as those to help key groups such as children, disabled people, women, people from black and ethnic minority communities, and those of pensionable age.
The committee will also seek the views of those experiencing direct impacts as well as considering in-work poverty, youth employability, community food provision and energy costs.
Emphasising the close links with Community Planning Aberdeen’s Anti-Poverty Group, a number of external advisers have been appointed to the committee.
Committee Convener Councillor Christian Allard said: “The wellbeing of the people of Aberdeen is central to all that we do as a council, and the formation of this committee will help us to safeguard people at a local level as well as inputting to government on longer-term strategies.
“With the current cost of living crisis, the decisions we take are more important than ever.
“Our external advisers will prove invaluable in bringing to the table the views of disadvantaged people, ensuring that our actions are as inclusive as possible.”
Vice Convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: “We welcome the appointment of the external advisers who will provide expertise and advice to the committee.
“We look forward to working together in the committee and external partners to ensure equality for all.”
When the committee meets on Wednesday, it will discuss a report from the advisers on major issues facing the city, which include a huge increase in demand for services and support, and the need for statutory and voluntary organisations to further co-ordinate their work.
The council has allocated £1.6m for the Fairer Aberdeen Fund, which is distributed through participatory budgeting, and £743,468 in community grant funding to help alleviate and mitigate poverty and inequality.
* Watch a Young People Challenging Poverty video at Challenge Poverty Week 2022 - ACVO TSI