Smith Commission Talks

Tackling poverty must be at the heart of a stronger Scottish Parliament, according to the SFHA.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is giving evidence to the Smith Commission and is calling for further powers to help hard-pressed families.

Recent figures revealed that 28% of children in Glenrothes are going without basic essentials.

The SFHA also want increased powers over energy to drive down high rates of fuel poverty.

Mary Taylor, Chief Executive of the SFHA, will give evidence to the Smith Commission:

"The SFHA is pleased to have the opportunity to put forward to the Smith Commission in person important arguments for further devolution. Our case is to give the Scottish Parliament substantive and coherent new powers to be able to tackle poverty and inequality.

"In our submission to the Commission, we argue that full powers over the social security system (excluding pensions) and of its financing are needed. And we call on Commission members to avoid any temptation to cherry-pick elements of the social security system. There are many complex interactions between the different welfare benefits, policies and tax allowances that pay for them, too many to separate some out on their own; and we need the Scottish Parliament to be able to exercise full control over the system to make change which will improve the lives of people living in poverty.

"Tackling poverty includes tackling fuel poverty, which is at shocking levels in remote and rural areas of Scotland. In the Western Isles 71% of households are affected by fuel poverty. We are calling for further powers over energy, so we can address the inequitable and excessive energy unit prices in remote and rural Scotland and the need for new and much better focused initiatives to tackle problems of hard-to-treat homes.

 "We know that our argument for devolution of these news powers to tackle poverty and inequality are echoed in the submissions of many other organisations and individuals; and hope the Smith Commission will listen and be bold in its recommendations."