executive summary 4 - scottish borders · executive summary this strategy is the councils plan of...
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Contents
Executive Summary 4
Introduction 5
Context 6
National Policy Context 8
Local Policy Context 13
Poverty in the Scottish Borders 17- Rural Poverty 24- In-work Poverty 27- Fuel Poverty 28- Child Poverty 30
Financial Inclusion 32
Welfare Reform 37
Consultation 45
Tackling Poverty 49
Our Key Priorities and Outcomes 54
Wider Consultation Questions 58
Action Plan 59
Performance Indicators 71
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Executive Summary
This strategy is the Councils plan of how we intend to tackle poverty and achieve social justice
across the Scottish Borders over the next five years and beyond.
This strategy has an overall purpose to help minimise the impact of poverty and financial
exclusion on the residents of the Borders. Its objective is to ensure that people are equipped to
cope with the challenges they currently face; including those of the economic recession and the
welfare reforms.
Poverty in the Borders is a widespread, multi-dimensional issue, affecting many parts of our
communities. This makes it difficult to be clear about the best approach to tackling poverty.
Through local engagement and research the strategy identifies seven priority areas which will look
to inform the planned actions. These are:
Income
Employability
Education
Health
Housing
Transport
Community
Communities and partnerships form the core building blocks of this strategy, and a wide range of
individuals, groups, organisations and departments have contributed their insights into their
experiences of poverty, helping develop an understanding of how poverty can affect lives and to
identify the kind of support people are looking for.
In order to ensure that our services are targeted and responsive to the changing needs of our
communities, the strategy contains an action plan which will give more detail of the outcomes
SBC want to achieve and how partners will work together to help minimise poverty.
Introduction
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The purpose of developing this strategy and examining poverty in the Scottish Borders is
to help ensure that SBC, partners and communities can develop more effective
plans to break the cycle of poverty, particularly among vulnerable people and
families. This requires a long-term vision, which acknowledges the complexity of both the
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evident that UK-wide poverty has been increasing since the start of the economic downturn in
8. The combination of public spending cuts, welfare reform, increasing unemployment and
tion in the costs of household essentials such as food and fuel, means that poverty is likely to
tinue to increase, possibly - as predicted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies - until 2020.
re are also suggestions that if current pricing trends continue, and without major changes in the
rces and delivery of household fuels, average-income households could fall into fuel poverty as
y as 2015. This means more and more households will literally face the choice between eating
heating.
combination of the economic downturn and high inflation are factors that the Council has very
control over at a local level, and cannot influence UK-wide or global economic trends. Neither
the Council and its partners able to directly challenge the inequality of wealth distribution, which
arch tells us has a significant relationship with poor health and social outcomes.
strategy attempts to improve understanding of poverty across the Borders and encourage
er connections and partnership working in the provision of support to people and families in
is or, preferably, before they reach crisis point. Scottish Borders Council will work with
agues in the Scottish Government, NHS, Housing Associations, voluntary organisations and
r national policy bodies to ensure good practice. By working together the provision of advice
support can better equip vulnerable groups, parents and children with the skills and personal
abilities they need to feel in control of their circumstances.
causes of poverty and the reasons why individuals and families struggle to emerge from
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Context
Poverty
Poverty is a significant feature of Scottish society and affects many people in many different
ways. Whilst low income and material deprivation are the issues at the forefront of the poverty
debate, we recognise that poverty should not merely be reduced to a question of income
alone, or material wellbeing; it is also a matter of wellbeing in other senses. There is a complex,
interlinking relationship between factors that define and influence poverty and these cannot be
looked at in isolation.
The Scottish and UK Government use household income as a measure of poverty. Those with a
household income which is below 60% of the UK median are considered to be living in relative
poverty; if income is below 50%, they are defined as living in absolute poverty.
However, to enable us to recognise issues relating to poverty and better understand its
impact in the Borders, a more holistic interpretation is required.
This strategy acknowledges that poverty is about far more than just income and that poverty has
a direct impact on our health, well-being and quality of life. It can also limit our access to advice
and support, limiting opportunity, and can cause social isolation and diminish aspirations. Poverty is
not just a question of bringing all people up to a minimum standard of living, but also of
addressing social and economic inequalities.
Financial Exclusion
The term financial exclusion was first used in 1993 regarding concerns to the limited physical
access to banking services as a result of bank branch closures. In more recent years this
terminology has been used in different ways, but is most commonly used to describe a lack of
access to, and use of, a range of financial services.
Financial Exclusion describes how some individuals are unable to access appropriate financial
services. These individuals are unable to take advantage of a wide range of financial services like
debit cards, internet banking and direct debit facilities due to their income, skills and personal
circumstances.
‘Financial exclusion refers to a process whereby people encounter difficulties accessing and/or
using financial services and products in the mainstream market that are appropriate to their needs
and enable them to lead a normal social life in the society in which they belong.’1
1European Commission (2008) Financial Services Provision and Prevention of Financial Exclusion (pg 9)
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The Scottish Government defines financial inclusion as;
“…access for individuals to appropriate financial products and services. This includes people
having the skills, knowledge and understanding to make best use of those products and services.
Financial exclusion is often a symptom of poverty as well as a cause.” 2
Social Exclusion is defined as individuals or groups whom are not able to participate fully in society
because of unemployment, low skill levels, poverty, bad health, poor housing or other factors. Social
Inclusion is about removing the barriers and factors which lead to exclusion so people can
participate.
2Scottish Government (2005) Financial Inclusion Plan (pg 4)
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National Policy Context
Poverty
Social Justice: Transforming Lives (Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Work and
Pensions by Command of Her Majesty in March 2012) is a report which outlines the UK
Government’s approach to tackling poverty.
The UK Government believes that the focus on income over the last few decades has ignored the
root causes of poverty and in doing so, has allowed social problems to deepen and become
entrenched. The paper identifies that social justice is about giving individuals and families facing
multiple disadvantages the support and tools they need to turn their lives around and is underpinned
by a new set of principles that inform the approach:
1. A focus on prevention and early intervention.
2. Where problems do arise, a focus on recovery as the primary aim.
3. Promoting work as the most sustainable route out of poverty.
4. Encouraging innovation in the commissioning, funding and delivery of services.
5. Recognising the role of local Government, the voluntary and community sector and
grassroots delivery in offering the most targeted support.
6. Empowering people and communities to take a greater responsibility for the services they
use.
7. Ensuring that interventions provide a fair deal for the taxpayer.
The Scottish Government has prioritised the reduction in poverty and also child poverty, and this is
reflected in the policy outlined below:
Government Economic Strategy
In 2007, the Scottish Government published the Government Economic Strategy (GES). The main
purpose of the strategy is to create a more successful country through increasing sustainable
economic growth. The strategy identifies five strategic priorities
Learning, Skills and Well-being
Supportive Business Environment
Infrastructure Development and Place
Effective Government
Equity
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The GES specifically sets out:
“Increase overall income and the proportion of income earned by the three lowest income deciles as
a group by 2017.”3
Achieving Our Potential
The Scottish Government Framework aimed at tackling poverty and income inequality in Scotland
was launched in November 2008. Achieving Our Potential sets out the joint approach of the Scottish
Government and COSLA in the fight against poverty. The Framework outlines the key actions
required by The Scottish Government and its partners such as the strengthening of income
maximisation work, launching a campaign to raise awareness of statutory worker’s rights and
supporting people who find it hardest to get into jobs or use public services.
Early Years Framework
In December 2008, The Early Years Framework was launched, signifying the Scottish Government
and COSLA's commitment to the earliest years of life being crucial to a child's development. It is
increasingly evident that inequalities in health, education and employment opportunities are passed
from one generation to another. The framework signals local and national government's joint
commitment to break this cycle through prevention and early intervention and give every child in
Scotland the best start in life.
Equally Well
The report of the Ministerial Task Force on Health Inequalities was launched in June 2008. This was
followed by the Equally Well Implementation Plan which was launched in December 2008. The aim
is to tackle the inequalities in health which prevent Scotland reaching its potential. It is part of
achieving the Government's overall purpose: "a more successful country, with opportunities for all of
Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth". Increased healthy life
expectancy is an important part of this. It must also be achieved in a way that reduces disparities
between richer and poorer and narrows the gap between Scotland's best and worst performing
regions.
Child Poverty Strategy
This strategy sets out what the Scottish Government will do to reduce the levels of child poverty in
Scotland, and to ensure that as few children as possible experience any kind of socio-economic
disadvantage. There are two very distinctive aims within the strategy:
To reduce the levels of child poverty by reducing income poverty and material deprivation.
Improve children's wellbeing and life chance - with the ultimate aim being to break inter-
generational cycles of poverty, inequality and deprivation.
3 The Government Economic Strategy, 2007 (page 17)
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Financial Inclusion
Learning Point 55: Financial Inclusion: Can you Afford Not to?
Financial inclusion activity plays an important role in meeting national and local outcomes. Activity
needs to be linked to the three national frameworks for tackling disadvantage. As mentioned above
these include: Equally Well, Achieving Our Potential and Early Years. Early intervention is central to
all three frameworks.
The Learning Point emphasises that responsibility for developing and co-ordinating financial
inclusion activity lies at the local level, and the role of the Scottish Government is to facilitate rather
than direct. Some of the key learning points identified include:
Certain groups are most at risk of financial exclusion. UK wide research found that disabled
people, people on low incomes, lone parents, people leaving care or prison, people in
isolated or disadvantaged areas, minority ethnic communities and housing association
tenants are among those particularly vulnerable to exclusion.
People who are in work can experience poverty and financial exclusion too. Research
suggests that 5 per cent of people in work are in poverty. Most people experiencing in-work
poverty (80%) are low paid.
Tackling financial exclusion in rural areas can be particularly challenging as people often
face different barriers to inclusion than in urban areas.
Information and advice needs to be available in a range of accessible formats, particularly in
formats suitable for those who are most in need of financial inclusion support. People like to
get information in different ways. For example, young people may be more likely to use text
and internet information services and therefore access multiple information sources.
Financial Inclusion: An Action Plan for 2008-11
The Action Plan sets out how the UK Government will spend the £130million Financial Inclusion
Fund to achieve its financial inclusion objectives over the next three year spending period.
The key goals for financial inclusion are about ensuring everyone has appropriate financial services,
enabling them to:
Manage their money on a day-to-day basis
Plan for the future and cope with financial pressure
Deal effectively with financial distress
The UK Government's Financial Inclusion Fund supports activity covering Scotland. The first such
Fund, from 2006 to 2008, included the Growth Fund for third sector lenders, and the ' now lets talk
money' campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of financial inclusion issues with intermediary
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organisations such as housing associations in order to reach financially excluded individuals. The
Growth Fund continues until 2011.
Financial Inclusion Taskforce
The Financial Inclusion Taskforce was launched in 2005, following the publication of the
Government’s first financial inclusion strategy, Promoting Financial Inclusion. Its main aim is to
oversee progress, to monitor progress on the objectives the UK Government has set out and to
make recommendations on what needs to be done.
It has been tasked to consider solutions to the problems of financial exclusion in three key areas:
Access to banking
Access to affordable credit
Access to free face-to money advice
The Financial Inclusion Champions Initiative
The new Financial Inclusion Champions Initiative was set up as part of the ‘now let’s talk money’
campaign with a widened remit to include home contents insurance and to increase the focus on
saving, particularly in credit unions.
A number of Financial Inclusion Champions have set up Champions teams, including one for
Scotland. The Financial Inclusion Champions will work across their area to build and coordinate
partnerships to promote financial inclusion. In particular, they will aim to stimulate the demand for,
and in some cases increase the supply of, basic financial services for financially excluded people.
All Champions will work together in order to support the Government's financial inclusion policy.
The Fairer Scotland Fund
From 2007, the Fairer Scotland Fund replaced several funding streams, including the Financial
Inclusion Fund. The main aim of the Fairer Scotland Fund is:
“To enable Local Authorities and Community Planning Partnerships to tackle area based
disadvantage; individual poverty, and help more people to access and sustain employment
opportunities.”
The Fairer Scotland Fund is allocated to Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) to help them
achieve sustainable economic growth by:
Regenerating disadvantaged communities
Tackling poverty by helping vulnerable people and groups
Overcoming barriers to employment
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Local Policy Context
Single Outcome Agreement
The Single Outcome Agreement for Scottish Borders Council sets out the local and national
priorities for the Council and its partners and how this will be achieved. The SOA will help to identify
areas for improvement and to deliver better outcomes for the people in the Scottish Borders through
joint working. The National Outcomes that relates to tackling poverty and financial inclusion are:
1.2 The Borders has an inclusive public transport infrastructure that integrates local, nationally
and internationally.
3.2 Life circumstances are improved by maximising participation in education, training and
employment, especially amongst people who are economically inactive.
3.3 The Borders existing workforce is highly skilled and responsive to the needs of employers.
5.1 Children experience high quality early years provision.
6.1 There is improved health and wellbeing of Borders residents, through behavioural change.
7.2 There is a good supply of high quality affordable housing.
7.3 There are fewer people living in poverty.
11.3 Volunteering will be a natural part of people’s lives.
At its April 2013 meeting, the Community Planning Strategic Board considered the Scottish Borders
Strategic Assessment 2013 which drew some strategic conclusions about the priorities for the
Borders and helped the Board to coalesce around a focused vision:
“By 2023, quality of life will have improved for those who are currently living within our most
deprived communities, through a stronger economy and through targeted partnership
action”.
The Board is clear that in order to achieve this ambitious vision, the CPP needs to focus on 3
priorities that clearly contribute to a range of National Outcomes, as shown below. Priorities 1 & 2
are the most relevant in terms of poverty; Grow our Economy and Reduce Inequalities.
Scottish Borders priorities National Outcomes
Grow our economy1. We live in a Scotland that is the most attractive place to do
business in Europe
2. We realise our full economic potential with more and betteremployment opportunities for our people
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Reduce inequalities
5. Our children have the best start in life and are ready to succeed
7. We have tackled the significant inequalities in Scottish society
8. We have improved the life chances for young people andfamilies at risk
Maximise the impact fromthe low carbon agenda
14. We reduce the local and global environmental impact of ourconsumption and production
Underpinning the SOA, a CPP Performance Management Framework will be developed to ensure
that the CPP is able to monitor improvement through a combination of outcome, output and activity
measures that link to our 3 priorities.
A report to the Scottish Borders Council prepared by the Scottish Poverty Information Unit (SPIU) of
Glasgow Caledonian University in 2008.
Two pieces of research were carried out to gather evidence on the condition of poverty in the
Scottish Borders. The first is a statistical overview of the situation in the Scottish Borders and
comparable areas in Scotland and the UK, and the second was qualitative research that was
conducted between March and July 2008, whereby a number of groups and individuals took part in
order to consider the experiences of people who experience poverty and social exclusion in the
Scottish Borders.
There are ten themes which are perceived to be particular problems by those experiencing poverty
in the Scottish Borders:
Inadequate income
Cost of living
Service provision/ delivery
Housing costs
Costs of providing for children
Lack of decently paid work
Health problems
Transport
Debt
Organisations (dealing with/initiatives)
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LHS 2012-17
Housing is not just a matter of bricks and mortar but is an integral part of the Borders’ physical,
economic and social character. Specifically, accessible, warm, safe, affordable housing, attractive
environments and a sense of place can contribute greatly to meeting Scottish Government’s wider
aims of tackling poverty and health inequalities and building confidence and capacity in
communities. This will enable Borderers to reach their full potential.
Key issues that will be tackled in the LHS are:
increasing the supply of affordable housing;
addressing the housing and support needs of the increasing numbers of vulnerable people;
improving housing conditions;
tackling and preventing homelessness.
The Local Strategy's Vision for the Scottish Borders is that:
“every person in the Scottish Borders has a home which is secure, affordable, in good condition,
energy efficient, where they can live independently and be part of a vibrant community.”
To achieve this vision four strategic outcomes and associated action plans have been identified
which Scottish Borders Council and its Community Planning partners are committed to delivering.
These are closely aligned to a number of the Scottish Government’s national outcomes and there
are direct linkages with the Scottish Borders Single Outcome Agreement.
Children and Young People’s Service Plan
The Vision of the Children and Young People’s Service is to encourage young people to be
ambitious for themselves and to develop the services to support and empower children and young
people becoming:
Confident individuals
Effective contributors
Successful learners
Responsible citizens
The vision is based on the principles of Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC). In addition the
service plan will work within the values of other key pieces of legislation including the Children
(Scotland) Act, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and A Curriculum for
Excellence.
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Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP)
The Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) is the key document for targeting affordable housing
investment in Scottish Borders. This plan shows how the affordable housing investment priorities as
set out in the Council’s Local Housing Strategy (LHS), have been, and will be, delivered in practice
at a local level over five years.
The housing need of local residents has adjusted in response to shifts in both housing market and
demographics. Political, legislative and economic forces also affect the Council’s duties and
responsibilities. The advantage of building on the Local Housing Strategy reinforces the local
authority as the strategic housing body and gives priority to our housing needs.
Above all, the plan aims to:
Prioritise the delivery of affordable housing over the next five years;
Form the basis for more detailed programme planning and identify funding;
Deliver on actions identified in the Local Housing Strategy.
Health Improvement
Key strands of Health Improvement are reported through the Community Planning Programme
(CPP) board under the Early Intervention theme. Three specific projects are:
Promoting Healthy Weight
Suicide Prevention
Healthy communities delivered through the Healthy Living Network
There are other areas of Health Improvement that report through different routes:
Sexual Health Strategy group
Children and Young People’s Planning group
Community Health Care Partnership
Physical Activity Sports and PE Strategy
Alcohol and Drugs Partnership
Tobacco Prevention Action Plan
Scottish Borders Council’s Welfare Benefits Service
The service consists of a team of advisers specialising in matters relating to social security benefits
and tax credits. Their aim is to maximise take up of these for citizens of the Scottish Borders. This
area of work is consistent with the Vision Statement for Social Work, which seeks to promote well
being, social inclusion and social justice and to work in partnership with other agencies to maximise
opportunities and address disadvantage. Maximising income is undertaken by a combination of
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advocacy and appeal representation, assistance with benefits form completion, awareness raising,
training and telephone advice sessions.
Tackling and Preventing Homelessness
The Scottish Borders Homelessness Strategy, published in 2009, recognises that a solution to
homelessness is not just about the provision of housing, temporary accommodation and/or B&Bs
but that there is a need for a comprehensive approach involving health, care for young people,
education, training and support.
The recent redesign of the Homelessness Service adopts an approach with emphasis on prevention.
This included the creation of a Financial Inclusion Officer post. The role of the Financial Inclusion
Officer is to help people to manage their finances and maximise their income in order to prevent
homelessness and be better able to sustain their accommodation in future. This is achieved by
providing advice, guidance and support to all homeless and potentially homeless household on
matters relating to personal finance and resolving problems related to benefits and debts.
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Poverty in the Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders Council area is co-terminus with NHS Borders and is a rural area with a resident
population of 113,1504 with 56,645 dwellings. The Scottish Borders has an aging population with
21% of the population being over 65 compared with Scotland (17%).
Table 1 demonstrates that levels of poverty in the Scottish Borders as being similar to the overall
figures for Scotland. This has remained unchanged until 2005 to 2008 where there is a slight rise.
18% would approximately account for 10,200 households in the Scottish Borders.
Table 1 - Percentage of households in relative poverty: 2002 to 2008
2002 to 2005 2003 to 2006 2004 to 2007 2005 to 2008
Scottish Borders 17 17 17 18
Scotland 18 19 19 19Source: Scottish Household Survey (SHS)
Table 2 shows the level of child poverty in the Scottish Borders (13%); this is lower than the Scottish
average. However, when looking at child poverty at a settlement level it ranges from 0% (Ancrum) to
26% (Kirk Yetholm) in some places. Meaning that some areas of the Scottish Borders have high
levels of child poverty.
Table 2: Percentage of children aged under 20 who are in Poverty. Snapshot as at 31 August 2009
Local Authority % of Children in Poverty
Scottish Borders 13%
Scotland 19%Source: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Personal Tax Credits: Related Statistics - Child Poverty Statistics
The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) is the Scottish Government's official tool for
identifying those places in Scotland suffering from deprivation. There are seven domains in SIMD,
used to measure the multiple aspects of deprivation, which are: employment, income, health,
education, geographic access to services, crime and housing. Of the 130 datazones in the Scottish
Borders, 5 are found in 15% of the most deprived datazones in Scotland, compared to 5 in 2009, 3
in 2006 and 2 in 2004. These deprived datazones are in Galashiels and Hawick, shown in figure 1.
4 General Register Office 2011
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Figure 1: SIMD 15% most deprived areas in the Scottish Borders (2012)5
In the Scottish Borders the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation does not provide a true and accurate
picture of deprivation. Although 5 datazones in the Borders were identified as being in the top 15%
most deprived in Scotland, it could be argued that this does not take into account small pockets of
deprivation in more rural areas. It is important that all residents who are living in poverty or deprivation
benefit from this strategic intervention, particularly following a period of severe economic downturn
and benefit changes, which has left more people facing financial insecurity. As such, geographical
location has had a relatively minor influence on strategy development.
5 The low numbers of deprived datazones in the Scottish Borders is typical of rural local authorities and reflects the inherent anti-rural biasin deprivation area data; the SIMD is more suited to measuring poverty in an urban environment and less accurate when applied to a ruralcontext such as the Scottish Borders. As a result this may underestimate the extent of rural deprivation.
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Table 3 shows the level on employment and unemployment in the Scottish Borders, Scotland and
the United Kingdom. The Scottish Borders has an unemployment rate of 5.9% which is lower than
Scotland and the UK.
Table 3: Employment and unemployment (Oct 2011-Sep 2012)
Scottish Borders Scotland UK
No. % % %
Economically active* 55,300 76.7 77 76.7
In employment* 52,300 72.3 70.8 70.5
Employees* 42,300 60 62.2 60.5
Self employed* 9,400 11.7 8.1 9.6
Unemployed (model-based)** 3,300 5.9 7.9 7.9Source: ONS annual population survey*numbers are for those aged 16 and over, % are for those aged 16-64**numbers and % are for those aged 16 and over. % is a proportion of economically active
Table 4 goes further than table 5, looking at the reasons for economic inactivity, the majority being
long term sick (27%) and retired (22%). From those who are economically inactive, 71% do not want
a job (due to higher levels of long term sick and retirement).
Table 4: Economic inactivity (Oct 2011-Sep 2012)
Scottish Borders Scotland UKLevel % % %
Student 3,200 19.9 23.5 25.2
Looking after family/home 3,000 18.5 19.8 25.1
Temporary sick # # 2.5 1.9
Long-term sick 4,400 27.1 28.4 21.8
Discouraged # # 0.9 0.9
Retired 3,500 21.7 17.8 16.5
Other 1,400 8.9 7.1 8.7
Wants a job 4,700 29 24.8 24.4
Does not want a job 11,400 71 75.2 75.6
Total 16,000 23.3 23 23.3Source: ONS annual population survey# Sample size too small for reliable estimate
Although there is a low level of unemployment in the Scottish Borders, being in paid work does not
necessarily prevent poverty - this is known as working poverty. Table 5 shows the average weekly
income. In 2012, the Scottish Borders ranked 29 out of 32 for lowest average weekly wage and is
significantly lower than the Scottish average.
Table 5: Gross average weekly income in all full time workers
Local Authority 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Scottish Borders £381 £370 £381 £418 £398 £450Scotland £442 £463 £473 £488 £489 £498
Source: ONS annual survey of hours and earnings - workplace analysis
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Figure 2 shows the percentage of the population who are income deprived in the Scottish Borders,
clearly showing that although the Scottish Borders is below the Scottish average it has been steadily
increasing to the Scottish level.
Figure 2: Percentage of total population who are income deprived – Scottish Borders vs. Scotland:
2002-2010
10
9
11 1
2 13
15
14 1
5 16
16
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
2002 2005 2008 2008/2009 2009/2010
Scottish Borders Scotland
Source: SNS/ SIMD
The benefits system can also trap people in poverty. The current system creates huge barriers for
those trying to move into work (unemployment trap) and also for those in low paid work trying to
increase their earnings (poverty trap). Table 6 shows the number and percentage of working age
clients and the benefits they receive in the Scottish Borders. The percentage of out-of-work benefits
is lower in the Scottish Borders (11%) compared with Scotland (14%).
Table 6: Working-age client group - key benefit claimants (Feb 2012)
Scottish Borders Scotland UKNo. % % %
Job seekers 2,340 3.3 4.3 4
ESA and incapacity benefits 4,300 6.1 8.1 6.4
Lone parents 570 0.8 1.4 1.5
Carers 750 1.1 1.2 1.2
Others on income related benefits 310 0.4 0.4 0.4
Disabled 780 1.1 1.1 1.1
Bereaved 160 0.2 0.2 0.2
Key out-of-work benefits* 7,520 10.7 14.2 12.3
Total claimants 9,210 13.1 16.8 14.8Source: DWP benefit claimants - working age client group* Key out-of-work benefits includes the groups: job seekers, ESA and incapacity benefits, lone parents and others on income relatedbenefits
Table 7 shows the same data but by intermediate geography to show what areas in the Scottish
Borders have higher levels on key benefits. The highest percentage of key benefits claimants is
Hawick (22%), Eyemouth (21%) and Galashiels (19%).
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Table 7: Percentage of working age (10-64) claiming key benefits by total population
Intermediate Geography(Grouped)
JobSeekers
IncapacityLone
parentCarers
Otherincomerelatedbenefit
Disabled Bereaved Total
Berwickshire 2.3 5.7 0.6 1.3 0.4 1.4 0.3 12.1
Cheviot 1.8 4 0.6 1.2 0.4 0.8 0.2 9
Coldstream area 3.8 7 1.4 1.4 0.7 1.4 0.3 16.1
Duns 2.4 7.9 1 1.4 0.3 1.4 0 14.4
Earlston/ Lauder/ Stow 2.3 4.2 0.2 0.8 0.1 0.9 0.2 8.8
Ettrick/ Yarrow/ Yair 2.1 3.9 0.5 0.7 0.2 0.9 0.5 8.8
Eyemouth 4.2 11 1.4 2 0.6 1.1 0.3 20.6
Galashiels 6.5 8.2 1.4 1 0.6 1.3 0.3 19.2
Hawick 5.8 10.6 1.6 1.7 1 1.4 0.1 22.2
Innerleithen/ Walkerburn 2.8 4.8 0.9 1.1 0.6 0.8 0.3 11.4
Jedburgh 3.7 7.5 1.3 1.3 0.9 1.5 0.2 16.4
Kelso 3.2 6.1 1 0.9 0.6 1.2 0.1 13.1
Melrose/Tweedbank 2.5 6.5 0.5 1.2 0.2 1.4 0.4 12.7
Newcastleton/ Teviot 2.3 4.7 0.4 1.1 0.4 1.1 0.2 10.2
Peebles 3 5 0.8 0.8 0.3 1.2 0.2 11.3
Selkirk 4.3 7.7 1.1 1.1 0.5 0.9 0.2 15.8
St Boswells/ Newtown 2.8 5.3 0.2 0.9 0 1.5 0.2 11
West Linton/ Broughton 1.6 3.7 0.3 0.4 0.1 0.6 0.3 7.2
Total 3.5 6.5 0.9 1.1 0.5 1.2 0.2 13.9Source: SNS 2012 Quarter 1
Table 8 shows the levels of people claiming pension credit, with 21% of people over 60 claiming
pension credit in the Scottish Borders. There are higher levels (as proportion of population) in
Hawick, Galashiels and Eyemouth.
Table 8: Number of people claiming Pension Credit
Intermediate Geography(Grouped)
60-69 70-79 80 and over Total% of
population
Berwickshire 150 190 185 525 16.8Cheviot 55 85 85 225 12.5Coldstream and area 45 65 60 170 19.7Duns 40 50 75 165 24.6Earlston, Lauder and Stow area 55 65 100 220 15.9Ettrick, Yarrow and Yair 30 30 25 85 9.4Eyemouth 80 85 100 265 33.4Galashiels 185 190 295 670 27.2Hawick 325 325 400 1050 30.4Innerleithen and Walkerburn area 65 90 85 240 18.7Jedburgh 60 95 100 255 25.8Kelso 65 140 160 365 20.7Melrose and Tweedbank area 45 55 70 170 14.3Newcastleton and Teviot area 45 60 70 175 16.5Peebles 85 125 170 380 19.1Selkirk 95 85 145 325 23.3St Boswells and Newtown area 45 70 70 185 16.9West Linton and Broughton area 25 45 45 115 11.7Total 1,495 1,850 2,240 5,585 20.5
Source: SNS 2012 Quarter 1
22
Debt is a significant problem for people living on a low income. This has only increased by the crisis
in the financial services industry and the recession in the UK economy. One effect of being on a low
income may be falling into debt, not because of an inability of people in poverty to manage their
financial situation, but because their income is not enough to meet their needs. Many people on low
incomes will borrow money just to get by and to help pay for necessary items.
In 2011/12, the CAB took on 262 new debt enquiries owing a total of £6,293,189. The breakdown of
these debts is shown in table 9, clearly showing that rent and mortgage payments and credit card
debt are the highest.
Table 9: Total amount of new debt handled during reporting period 2011/12
Type of Debt Berwickshire RoxburghCentralBorders
Peebles Totals
Rent/ Mortgage £16,796 £68,797 £666,422 £173,873 £925,888Council tax and water/ Community charge £19,800 £70,261 £137,054 £32,178 £259,293Other housing costs £0 £0 £0 £34 £34Income tax £4,147 £36,180 £38,382 £0 £78,709Utilities £7,289 £17,566 £33,154 £4,858 £62,867Fines £567 £275 £20,437 £0 £21,279Maintenance/ Child support £511 £19,195 £0 £2,187 £21,893Benefits/ Tax credits overpayment £1,250 £37,723 £60,855 £2,569 £102,397Social fund loan £1,384 £40,325 £0 £0 £41,709HP/ Conditional sale £13,168 £39,509 £29,120 £8,000 £89,797Telephone (land line)/ Mobile phone £3,708 £9,525 £16,050 £5,562 £34,845Bank loan £85,323 £335,079 £294,422 £34,033 £748,857Bank overdraft £28,124 £110,348 £306,181 £22,725 £467,378Personal loan £66,205 £172,529 £243,326 £94,184 £576,244Doorstep credit £4,993 £40,188 £33,054 £3,789 £82,024Credit card £188,670 £662,090 £605,010 £94,724 £1,550,494Store card £13,050 £38,178 £74,499 £10,918 £136,645Catalogue £6,107 £75,877 £54,262 £16,239 £152,485Cable or satellite TV £309 £582 £1,082 £647 £2,620Student debt £4,290 £3,094 £8,153 £6,043 £21,580Other loan £14,252 £55,995 £44,530 £21,387 £136,164Other £48,836 £487,580 £243,571 £0 £779,987Total £528,779 £2,320,896 £2,909,564 £533,950 £6,293,189
Source: CAB stats 2011/12
The rural nature of the Scottish Borders requires a lot of people to travel; table 10 shows the
percentage of people having access to cars, portraying a higher level of people having access to a
car compared with the rest of Scotland. Half of those on an income below £10,000 do not have
access to a car but this nearly decreases by half for those of an income of £10,001 - £20,000.
23
Table 10: Number of cars normally available to the household for private use by net annual householdincome
£0 -£10,000
£10,001 -£20,000
£20,001 -£30,000
Over£30,000
All
Scottish BordersNo access to cars 51 28 8 - 21At least one 49 72 92 100 79One 44 60 60 28 48Two or more 5 12 32 72 31
ScotlandNo access to cars 59 43 14 4 29At least one 41 57 86 96 71One 34 48 58 35 44Two or more 6 9 27 61 26
Source: SHS 2009/10
Local Economy
The Scottish Borders local and national economy has had to deal with a number of issues over the
last decade, including:
The decline of the textile industry;
The collapse of the electronics sector;
Foot and Mouth Disease crisis and impact on tourism;
Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy;
Changing demands on the fishing industry;
The recession, reduced public expenditure and the impacts on employment, development
and housing supply and demand;
Welfare Reform will have a significant impact on the dynamics of demand and supply in the
private and social rented sectors;
Continuing uncertainty in the global and European economy in particular suggests that any
sign of recovery is medium term i.e. 10 years plus.
24
Key types of poverty
In addition to general poverty in terms of income deprivation, several other specific strands of
poverty have been identified as being of particular relevance in the Scottish Borders, and are
demonstrated in the image below.
Poverty
RuralPoverty
In-WorkPoverty
FuelPoverty
FinancialExclusion
ChildPoverty
Rural Poverty
‘The Experience of Rural Poverty in Scotland: Qualitative Research with Organisations Working with
People Experiencing Poverty in Rural Areas’ (March 2009) presented a useful framework for looking
at poverty in the Scottish Borders, where catchment area includes small urban areas, accessible
rural areas and inaccessible rural areas.
There are no cities in the Scottish Borders, only a few towns and scattered villages. There are only
two settlements with a population over 10,000; Galashiels and Hawick. The remainder of the
population is in smaller towns and settlements, with as much as a third of the population living in
settlements of less than 1,500 people. Figure 3 shows the urban/ rural classifications set by the
Scottish Government, clearly showing the rurality of the Scottish Borders.
25
Figure 3: Rural/ Urban Classification 2009/10
‘Our Rural Numbers are Not Enough’ (March 2011) support the arguments made in this report
highlighting that there are particularities to rural living which may exacerbate the problems of
deprivation in rural Scotland. Some of the key findings of the report include’6:
Higher cost of living: Food and transport fuel, in particular, cost more in rural areas.
Higher levels of consumption: More money is required to heat homes adequately in rural
areas and the greater distances to employment and services mean more money must be
spent on transport.
Fewer opportunities to earn an adequate income: Although employment rates compare
favourably with urban areas, low pay, seasonal employment and the historical low take-up of
welfare benefits in rural areas each depress household income. Furthermore, to earn an
adequate income is more likely to require multiple jobs.
Dispersed ‘invisible’ deprivation: Many rural communities appear affluent and thriving, yet
deprivation exists beneath this veneer. Deprivation in rural areas is not clustered but can be
spread over considerable distances and can be found adjacent to affluence.
Culture of independence and self-reliance: Independence and self-sufficiency are more
highly valued in rural areas making it more likely that unmet need is unknown need to policy
makers and service providers.
Gender Pay Gap: Research shows that part-time work is favoured by some women in order
to balance other commitments. In rural areas, part-time work tends to be low paid and below
workers’ skill levels and qualifications, further exacerbating the gender pay gap.
6JH McKendrick &co (2011) ‘Our Rural Numbers Are not Enough’
26
Access: Access is the underpinning issue in rural areas, affecting all aspects of life - access
to services, information, transport links, support, employment opportunities, learning and
training – the list is endless. Access difficulties also add complexity where the identification
of need is concerned: they will not only have most impact on the least mobile groups, e.g.
elderly people, people with long term illness, people who are reliant on public transport, for
whom access to services is most vital – but also such issues are harder to identify in rural
populations with their complex socio-economic profiles. Thus even though access issues
compound and exacerbate individuals’ need, in rural areas that need is harder to spot (to
factor into service planning) and to address (through increased service delivery costs).
Fuel Poverty: Households in rural areas are more likely to be at risk of being classed as
being fuel poverty or extreme fuel poverty than in more urban areas. Fuel poverty is a
particular issue in the Scottish Borders. This may be exacerbated by the fact that a higher
proportion of older housing is located in rural areas, and that many rural areas are not on the
gas network and therefore have to use more expensive heating fuels, such as electricity, gas
or oil.
The Scottish Governments ‘Taking Forward the Government Economic Strategy’ states:
“In rural areas other factors may also contribute to poverty, such as lack of access to services and
the fragility of remote communities. These can compound the effects of low income, educational
achievement and poor health on life opportunities and capacity to seize them. There are also strong
correlations between poverty and a lack of environmental sustainability.”
Although those experiencing poverty in rural and urban areas face the same problems, for example
food and fuel price inflation, transport, employment, childcare and housing these problems are more
acute in rural areas.
The problems outlined above have a more severe effect in rural areas, for example if the cost of fuel
increases it can increase the price of food dramatically and can have major implications for people
travelling about the area. As the Scottish Borders is a rural area, this can have an impact on
people’s lives, especially those who are experiencing poverty or financially excluded.
In addition to current economic circumstances the rural economy is also likely to be vulnerable to
other factors, such as the funding and employment constraints in the public sector and possible
future reductions in support to agriculture.
Accessible infrastructure and services are essential to modern life in rural Scotland. Initiatives over
many years have targeted specific areas and communities; thus harnessing the lessons learnt
continues to be essential. There is a need for strategic, innovative approaches that also build in
user’s priorities and experiences.
27
Housing affordability patterns for rural Scotland reflect what we already know of the challenges that
a lack of affordable housing can bring to a rural area; younger generations having to move away
from their home area, locals being priced out of the market, and targets for growing businesses and
providing services more difficult to achieve without the necessary housing for the often lower-paid
workforce in rural communities.
In-work poverty
Because Scottish Borders unemployment levels have been on the lower side of average, it has
perhaps been too easy to underestimate the impact of poverty upon families across the region.
Nevertheless, it has been recognised for many years that the local economy relies significantly upon
low-waged, low-skilled jobs in agriculture, service industries and retail, or upon small-scale and
sometimes unstable businesses in textile manufacturing.
Research undertaken by Edinburgh Napier University for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
suggests that for many parents, leaving benefits and entering low-paid work is not an effective route
out of poverty. It can also lead to higher levels of uncertainty and stress. This can be due to a
number of factors, particularly:
Minimum wage does not raise a family above the poverty line.
Childcare costs and the requirement to pay deposits for childcare places. Also the
requirement to pay childcare fees for part sessions or weeks that children do not attend, in
order to hold places.
Concerns over the claims process for Working Tax Credit, which is based in previous
earnings and can lead to overpayments and debts if earnings go up.
Transport costs.
Often, these additional financial strains lead to parents actually leaving work and feeling financially
better off on benefits. For employment to be an effective route out of poverty for parents, the Napier
University research suggests that the following factors are essential:
Pay must be higher than the minimum wage and work must be reliable.
Access to affordable, flexible and good quality childcare.
Greater employer flexibility to enable parents to meet their caring responsibilities.
A benefits/ tax credits system that is more responsive to the needs of people on very low
incomes, and which minimises the potential impact of overpayments and gaps in payments.
(It is not certain whether the current Welfare Reform Bill will do this).
Roughly half of children in poverty in the UK live in a household where at least oneadult is in paid employment
28
Holistic, integrated support which is focused around the individual client’s needs depending
on the issues (substance misuse, learning needs, employability, childcare, debt counselling
and money advice etc).
Ongoing support for employability and confidence building to help individuals move toward
higher-paid jobs.
Issues around childcare are not simply to do with affordability, but also with the fact that childcare is
not readily available over nights and weekends to accommodate shift patterns. However, this
recognition has not been accompanied by an increase in investment in childcare provision from the
Scottish Government to local community planning partners.
Fuel Poverty
The Fuel Poverty Delivery Plan considers recent research into fuel poverty both at a national and
local level. It is clear that the level of fuel poor households is rising in the Scottish Borders, in
common with the rest of Scotland. The Plan sets out what can be done over the next three years
and beyond to help alleviate fuel poverty wherever possible. The progress made in addressing fuel
poverty in the Scottish Borders will be monitored and evaluated through the Local Housing Strategy
and reported on annually.
To tackle fuel poverty in the Scottish Borders, the key aims need to consider the three main causes
of fuel poverty; household income, fuel costs and energy efficiency:
Continue to monitor fuel poverty in the Scottish Borders to improve targets.
Provide good quality information and advice on fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
To facilitate fuel poverty programmes in private sector and housing association properties.
Improve access to information and advice to help maximise incomes.
Lack of income affects many aspects of day to day living, particularly in the ability to heat and power
a home. Fuel Poverty is a serious issue in the Scottish Borders, whereby the rural nature of the
area, the type of housing, and the high proportion of elderly households, contributes to higher levels
of fuel poverty than the Scottish average. Figure 4 shows levels of fuel poverty and extreme fuel
poverty in the Scottish Borders and Scotland.
Access to childcare is one of the most fundamental factors which determines whether parents or
carers are able to gain and maintain employment. It is recognised within the Scottish
Government’s Child Poverty Strategy that childcare must be one of the central themes of any
approach to reducing child poverty.
29
It clearly shows that in all groupings there has been an increase, particularly with fuel poor
households in the Scottish Borders. Although it decreased from 2007-2009 to 2008-2010 it is still
much higher at 21% compared with 12% in 2003-2006. Those most at risk of fuel poverty are
pensioners, with 63% experiencing fuel poverty.
The incentive for finding sustainable and affordable renewable energies is implicitly connected to
the anti-poverty agenda due to the rising costs of fuel. Although in the Borders, we are currently
proactive in supporting local residents to access free or subsidised home insulation through grants
from the Scottish Government, it is apparent that we will need to look increasingly toward renewable
energy sources and innovative solutions at the local level to address fuel poverty. Community
energy schemes such as small-scale wind farm developments, solar farms or hydro electric
schemes are developing elsewhere in the country and should be investigated further in the Borders.
The Energy Economics Team are currently producing the ‘Low Carbon Strategy’ for the Borders,
where work on renewables and community heating projects will be taken forward.
Figure 4: Fuel Poverty and Extreme Fuel Poverty (%)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
2003-06 2004-07 2005-08 2007-09 2008-10
Fuel Poverty Scottish Borders
Extreme Fuel Poverty ScottishBorders
Fuel Poverty Scotland
Extreme Fuel Poverty Scotland
Source: SHCS 2008-10
Figure 5 shows the increase in gas and electricity prices in the UK since 1991, clearly showing that
since 2005 there has been a sharp increase in prices. This can go some way in explaining the
increase in fuel poverty as the cost of gas and electricity has increased, so has fuel poverty. As
noted by the SHCS 2008 report7 changes in fuel prices have been an important factor in the
increase in fuel poverty since 2002, and similar increases in fuel poverty are evident across the
country.
7SHCS Report 2008
30
Figure 5: Fuel Price Indices in the Domestic Sector in Real Terms 1991 – 2011
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
19
91
19
92
19
93
19
94
19
95
19
96
19
97
19
98
19
99
20
00
20
01
20
02
20
03
20
04
20
05
20
06
20
07
20
08
20
09
20
10
20
11
Ind
ex
20
05
=1
00
Electricity
Gas
Source: Office for National Statistic
Child Poverty
This strategy aims to make the Scottish Borders a region where all children can enjoy their
childhoods and have fair chances in life to reach their full potential. Child poverty blights childhoods
and growing up in poverty means being cold, going hungry, not being able to join in activities with
friends. For example, 62 per cent8 of families in the bottom income quintile would like, but cannot
afford, to take their children on holiday for one week a year.
Child poverty has long-lasting effects. Children living in poverty are more likely to leave school with
fewer qualifications which in the long term translates into lower earnings over the course of a
working life. Poverty is also related to more complicated health histories over the course of a
lifetime, again influencing earnings as well as the overall quality, and indeed length, of life.
Professionals live, on average, eight years longer than unskilled workers.
The reduction of poverty and its long-term impacts upon those who experience it as children is
absolutely critical to the success of our overall aims. The purpose of addressing child poverty in
Scottish Borders is to ensure that the strategic authority develops more effective plans to break the
cycle of poverty among vulnerable people and families. By necessity, this requires a long-term
vision, which acknowledges the complexity of both the causes of poverty and the reasons why
individuals and families struggle to emerge from it.
8Households below average income, An analysis of the income distribution 1994/95 – 2010/11, Table 4.3b DWP 2012
31
Despite official poverty statistics (published June 2013)9 showing that the number of children living
in relative poverty has fallen in Scotland between 2009-10 and 2011-12, there is no room for
complacency in light of estimates suggesting that more than 50,000 children are at risk of being
pushed into poverty in Scotland by 2020.
Current figures do not take into account the full impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms and
there continues to be a complex picture in terms of understanding child poverty in Scotland.
UK Government’s welfare reforms are likely to have a significant impact on levels of child poverty,
particularly the changes to eligibility for child tax credits and working tax credits, which could, on
average, mean that households may become around £700 per year worse off.
9http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/06/2493
32
Financial Inclusion
Financial Inclusion is about everyone in the Borders having access to an appropriate range of
financial services and products, which allows them to effectively manage their money. This means
supporting people to have basic financial skills product knowledge and understanding.
Financial exclusion can be due to a number of factors, including financial products that do not meet
the needs of low income households, high interest rates, lack of information, self exclusion,
disability, geographical factors and cultural barriers. Financial Exclusion can mean that an individual
does not have access to or has limited access to:
Bank Accounts
Financial Education
Advice
Savings
Affordable Credit
Insurance
Identification Requirements
Financial exclusion can cause hardship among those who are already the most vulnerable and
disadvantaged in our society and means that those people who can least afford to do so will end up
paying more for their basic needs. For example with home energy they cannot benefit from cheaper
tariff associated with direct debit, or will pay more for their credit needs as they can not access
affordable rates from mainstream banking.
Those living on low incomes are likely to struggle disproportionately from debt problems as they
struggle to manage limited budgets and cope with unexpected changes or demands on their
finances. Without this access to mainstream services money is often borrowed from the alternative
lending market where interest rate charges are often significantly higher.
Causes of financial exclusion are complex and varied, but research shows that groups at the
highest risk include:
Unemployed
On means tested benefits
Disabled
Single pensioners
Lone parents
33
Ex-Offenders
According to the Scottish Government’s Scottish Household Survey Report 2009/1010:
5% of adult Scots do not have a bank account;
56% of adults who earn less than £10,000 pa do not have any savings or investments;
53% of households in the Scottish Borders describe themselves as coping well or very well
financially.
Financial exclusion can have a negative impact on people’s lifestyle, especially for those who are
already disadvantaged and vulnerable. For example, many of those that are financially excluded do
not have home contents insurance which makes them much more vulnerable in the event of theft.
They do not have access to cheaper forms of payment like direct debit and are unable to access
affordable credit, this can lead to use of high credit products and encourages money lending with
very high loan charges.
People who are financially excluded also find it difficult to get out of poverty; if they do not have
access to a bank account then it can be difficult to arrange for wages to be paid. Also for those who
do have access to a bank account, bank charges can cause them a lot of grief, as they are unable
to afford the charges.
Financial exclusion is concentrated among certain types of households and neighbourhoods and is
more likely to affect some groups more than others. There are clear indications of the types of
households that are most susceptible to being without financial products. Households that are more
likely not to use financial services include:
Elderly people who have always had a low income.
Young people who have not yet accessed financial services.
Single women who became mothers at a young age and still care for their children full time.
People who have always been on the margin of work.
Some minority ethnic households.
Research carried out for the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in 2000 found:
“Those most likely to be on the margins of financial services include people who are unemployed,
unable to work through sickness or disability, single pensioners and lone parents. It is also much
more common in African-Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi households.”
10Scotland's People Annual Report: Results from 2009/2010 Scottish Household Survey
34
According to the Scottish Household Survey in 2007/08, 2% of those who responded for the
Scottish Borders have no access to a bank account. This percentage is much higher for those with
an income from £0 - £6,000 (15%).
Table 11: Whether respondent or partner has a bank or building society account
Scottish Borders ScotlandNet AnnualHousehold Income Yes No Refused All Yes No Refused All
£0 - £6,000 85 15 - 100 84 11 5 100£6,001 - £10,000 91 5 3 100 85 12 3 100£10,001 - £15,000 98 2 - 100 90 8 2 100£15,001 - £20,000 96 2 2 100 93 3 4 100£20,001 - £25,000 99 1 - 100 96 2 3 100£25,001 - £30,000 96 - 4 100 95 1 4 100£30,001 - £40,000 100 - - 100 96 0 4 100Over £40,000 100 - - 100 97 0 2 100All 96 2 1 100 92 5 3 100
Source: Scottish Household Survey 2007/08
Tenure also plays a role in financial exclusion; those most likely to suffer from financial exclusion
live in social rented housing:
83% of social housing tenants are not planning their financial future.
8 out of 10 social rented tenants are financially excluded.
81% of those living in social rented accommodation have no savings.
Although those living in the social rented sector are more likely to be financially excluded, there
have been growing numbers of owner occupiers being financial excluded as a result of the current
economic crisis. The Citizens Advice Bureau in the Scottish Borders has experienced a higher
number of owner occupiers seeking advice regarding debt and also people who are self-employed
but whose business is suffering from a shortage of work.
It also has to be noted that it is not just economic and personal characteristics that affect the
tendency to be financially excluded. There is evidence to suggest that financial exclusion is
concentrated within certain communities. The numbers of households who do not use any financial
products are three times more likely to live in Scotland than in England.11 People living in a
deprived area are at greater risk of being financially excluded and so too are households living in
rural areas.
11Kept out or opted out? Understanding and combating financial exclusion (1999) Elaine Kempson and Claire Whyley
35
Summary of Key Issues
18% (approx 10,200 households) in the Scottish Borders live in poverty.
The Scottish Borders has a higher proportion of over 65 year olds.
Child Poverty ranges from 0% to 26% between settlements (13% overall).
SIMD identifies 5 datazones as being in the most deprived in Scotland. However SIMD is
less accurate when applied in rural areas so there could be areas of hidden poverty.
The Scottish Borders has an unemployment rate of 5.9% compared with 7.9% in Scotland.
In 2012, the Scottish Borders ranked 29 out of 32 for lowest average weekly wage and is
significantly lower than the Scottish average.
11% of working age population in the Scottish Borders are receiving out-of-work benefits.
The highest percentage of key benefits claimants are in Hawick (22%), Eyemouth (21%) and
Galashiels (19%).
Fuel Poverty and extreme fuel poverty has continued to rise in the Scottish Borders and
Scotland. The level in the Scottish Borders, 2008-10 was 21%. Those most at risk of fuel
poverty are pensioners, with 63% experiencing fuel poverty.
The cost of gas and electricity has continued to rise dramatically since 2005.
In 2011/12, the CAB took on 262 new debt enquiries owing a total of £6,293,189.
Those experiencing poverty in rural and urban areas face the same problems, but due to the
rurality of the Scottish Borders these problems can be more acute.
Causes and Effects of Poverty
Poverty means diminished life chances. This can mean going without the essentials, such as
sufficient food, adequate housing, heating and enough clothing. For many it will also mean living
without access to the services and social activities the rest of us may take for granted.
Those who are poor have a relatively lower lifespan, poorer health and are less likely to access
services which are taken for granted, for example a bank account. They are at a much greater risk
of serious depression are less likely to have access to training at work and more likely to have a
baby as a teenager.12
The effects of poverty are not confined to economic factors such as the inability to buy luxury items
or to take a summer holiday. Poverty also affects an individual’s ability to participate fully in society.
Once factors such as travel costs and clothing are taken into account, even the cheapest of
activities, such as visiting the local swimming pool, may be out of reach for many living below the
poverty line.
12Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 1999
36
Evidence has shown that poverty is caused by low pay and low levels of benefits. Events such as
family breakdown, low educational achievement or unemployment, are often cited as causes of
poverty, but these factors are also to be found amongst those who are relatively well off. At root,
poverty is caused by a lack of money.
The effects of poverty are experienced by many people but particularly apparent in children and can
affect children in a variety of ways, including:
Health/ Well being – Children born into poverty are more likely to have a lower birth weight
high infant mortality and poorer health than better off children.
Housing and Homelessness – Conditions such as homelessness and chronic over-crowding
significantly impact upon a child’s physical, mental and social development and well-being.
Debt – People on low incomes often experience debt. Costs of debt repayments often result
in families going without essential items.
Education Attainment – The correlations between poverty, social class and poor educational
experience and attainment have been clearly established. Poverty affects the likelihood of
progressing through school to attain formal educational qualifications.
Crime – The areas most affected by crime and poor investment in infrastructure are the very
areas where the poorest children live and are brought up.
Social inclusion – Children and young people living in poor households and their families
often experience difficulties in accessing and benefiting from services.
Stigma – Children from poor families are often excluded from participating in school activities
through financial disadvantage and feel the pressure of social stigma through ‘inappropriate’
dressing and through receiving free school meals.
37
Welfare Reform
At present, there are two major factors causing or exacerbating the effects of poverty on people in
the Scottish Borders:
Economic Downturn
Effects of Reform to the Welfare System
It is very likely that child and family poverty will increase, locally and nationally, as various aspects
of Welfare Reform take effect. This will be compounded, at least in the short to medium term, by the
weak economy and highly challenging job market. It is anticipated that these two pressures will lead
to rises in homelessness, household debt, and potentially the need for children to be taken into care
as families reach crisis point - with ensuing financial implications for both statutory and voluntary
agencies.
Many people on benefits perceive the financial risks of moving into work as just too great. For some
groups the gains to work, particularly at low hours, are small, and any gain can easily be wiped out
altogether by in-work costs such as transport. The Coalition Government identified two key
problems with the current system:
work incentives are poor; and
the system is too complex.
The reforms of the welfare system introduces the most fundamental reforms to the social security
system for 60 years, and are intended to help people to move into and progress in work, while
supporting the most vulnerable. Reforming the benefit system aims to make it fairer, more
affordable and better able to tackle poverty, worklessness and welfare dependency.
Summary of Changes
Shared Accommodation room rate changes - January 2012
The age threshold for the shared accommodation rate of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will be
increased from 25 to 35 years of age. This change applies to private tenants only.
Tax Credits - April 2012
Changes to the way Tax Credits are assessed, so that the credit is withdrawn faster as income
rises. Working Tax Credit (WTC) is no longer available to people aged 50+ starting work of 16
hours or more. Working hours for couples with children will be increased. Most couples must
work at least 24 hours a week between them, with one working at least 16 hours to qualify for
WTC. Couple and lone parent rates of WTC will be frozen.
38
Child Benefit - January 2013
Child Benefit will be removed from all higher rate taxpayers.
Council Tax Benefit replaced with localised Council Tax Support schemes - April 2013
The Government will design a national scheme for pensioners and Councils will develop their
own local scheme for working age claimants.
Under-occupation rule in the social rented sector – April 2013
Restrictions will apply to council and housing association tenants living in houses larger than
they need. A 14% reduction will apply if tenants are under-occupying by 1 bedroom and a 25%
reduction will apply if they are under occupying by 2 or more bedrooms. This will only affect
people of working age who receive help to pay their rent.
Benefit cap introduced - April 2013
There will be a cap on the total amount of benefit a working age household can receive. Benefit
levels will be capped at the level of the average working family income after tax which is
expected to be £500 a week for families and £350 a week for single people (the exceptions
being those households that include a war widow, a Disability Living Allowance claimant or a
Working Tax Credit claimant). The cap will be applied by local Councils first of all, with Councils
required to reduce Housing Benefit payments until the cap is reached.
Social fund scheme transferred to Local Authorities - April 2013
Funding for Crisis Loans and Community Care grants will be transferred to local authorities who
will be given the power to put in place local welfare schemes. There will be no duty for a council
to provide a local welfare scheme.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to be replaced - April 2013
DLA will be replaced with a new benefit called Personal Independent Payment (PIP). This will
involve the introduction of revised assessment criteria to decide who is eligible. PIP will be for
all new claimants. All existing DLA working age claimants will be reassessed.
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates up-rated by Consumer Price Index (CPI) April 2013
LHA rates will change to annual up-rating, using whichever is lower of the CPI inflation rate or
the actual increase in rents used to up-rate LHA in the Private Rented Sector. This replaces the
current monthly up-rating based on local rents.
Introduction of Universal Credit - October 2013
Universal Credit is the new single benefit which will replace Housing Benefit, Income Support,
Income related Job Seekers Allowance, Income Based Employment and Support Allowance and
Tax Credits. Most claims will be made online and payment will normally be a single household
payment, including the housing costs, paid monthly in arrears directly to the claimant. All new
claims from October 2013 will be a claim for Universal Credit with all other claims being migrated
to Universal Credit over a 4-year period.
Modified Pension Credit – October 2014
The Pension Service will take over assessing Housing Benefit for people of pension credit age
and Housing Benefit will become part of Pension Credit.
39
The impact of the wide ranging reforms will be significant for social and private tenants, local
authorities, the Scottish Government, social and private landlords. The extent of the full implications
of the reforms is not wholly quantifiable at this time and won’t become clear until the reforms have
been implemented. Assessments of the potential impact of welfare reform are underway and
reduced income is being planned for, along with an increased demand for homelessness services.
Welfare Reform in the Borders
It is evident that Welfare Reform is going to have widespread implications for many vulnerable
families across the Scottish Borders, and for all of the services which they are accessing. An
effective response to Welfare Reform requires a co-ordinated approach between Scottish Borders
Council and Community Planning Partners, Registered Social Landlords, and the voluntary sector.
This approach should focus upon awareness and support for families to minimise debt and maintain
tenancies, budgeting, financial inclusion and education, life skills such as cooking - which can both
reduce household expenditure and improve health - and ongoing employability work which focuses
both on getting people into work and on gaining the skills and opportunities to move into more
secure, better paid employment.
Scottish Borders Council has established a Welfare Reform Programme to cover all likely
implications of the changes to the welfare system. This includes impacts on the residents of the
Borders and how to mitigate the worst effects, affects on the Council and its related functions,
impact on the local economy and impacts on other organisations such as RSLs. The structure of
this programme board is outlined in figure 6 below.
40
Figure 6: Scottish Borders Welfare Reform Programme Structure
Benefit claimants are being encouraged to make sure they are aware of the forthcoming changes
and how they might be impacted. They are also being given contact details of where they can get
more information, including the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Scottish Borders
Council (SBC) and local branches of the Citizens Advice Bureau. Housing Association tenants can
also contact their landlord. An intensive awareness campaign including radio and direct mail-outs to
those affected by the changes is currently underway, and organisations and groups across the
Scottish Borders are working together to ensure residents know what's happening, how it will affect
them and they can access information and advice.
Scottish Borders Welfare Reform Programme - Programme Structure
Community Planning Theme 4Future Model of Public Service Delivery
for the Scottish BordersLead Officer: Tracey Logan
Community Planning Joint Delivery Team
Community Planning Theme 4Future Model of Public Service Delivery
for the Scottish BordersLead Officer: Tracey Logan
Community Planning Joint Delivery Team
CustomerServices
WR Project
Housing BenefitsMigration to
Pension Credit andUniversal Credit
Migration of CouncilTax Benefit
Benefits Cap &Size Criteria
Temp AccommodationSubsidy &
DiscretionaryHousing Payments
Scottish Welfare Fund
CustomerServices
WR Project
Housing BenefitsMigration to
Pension Credit andUniversal Credit
Migration of CouncilTax Benefit
Benefits Cap &Size Criteria
Temp AccommodationSubsidy &
DiscretionaryHousing Payments
Scottish Welfare Fund
UniversalCredit
(Mitigation)Project
The CustomerJourney
(including debt& budgeting
Advice, ServiceRedesign and
Revenue Impact )
HousingStrategyImpact
PrivateSector
Housing
UniversalCredit
(Mitigation)Project
The CustomerJourney
(including debt& budgeting
Advice, ServiceRedesign and
Revenue Impact )
HousingStrategyImpact
PrivateSector
Housing
PathwaysTo
Employment
Support & Advice totarget groups
Mitigation of impact ontargeted groups
Joint solutions inDeveloping pathways
into sustainableemployment
PathwaysTo
Employment
Support & Advice totarget groups
Mitigation of impact ontargeted groups
Joint solutions inDeveloping pathways
into sustainableemployment
Pro
ject
Po
rtfo
lio
SBCBusiness
ImpactProject
CommunicationsProject
Financial ImplicationsHR Implications (inc org design& impact of tax credits changes)
TrainingProcess Redesign
Technology RequirementsManagement of Change
SOA
Developing & Managing a jointcommunications strategy
Supporting the Communicationsrequirements of each project
Joint editorial board
Pro
gra
mm
eG
overn
an
ce Strategic Partnership Against Poverty
Programme Board
Strategic Partnership Against PovertyProgramme Board
Senior Responsible Owners: David Cressey & Jenni CraigProgramme Manager: James Lamb
Welfare Reform Officer Steering Group
Senior Responsible Owners: David Cressey & Jenni CraigProgramme Manager: James Lamb
Welfare Reform Officer Steering Group
Co
mm
un
ity
Pla
nn
ing
Responsible for the delivery managementand delivery of the Programme
Supporting the Programme Board indeveloping and managing theProgramme and responsible for themanagement and delivery of projects
41
Impact of changes in the Borders
Housing and Council Tax benefit
Table 12: Housing and Council Tax benefit claims in the Scottish Borders in 2012
Total CaseloadHB+CTBCases
HB OnlyCases
CTBOnly
TotalCases
HB working age 4086 679 4765
HB non working age 3385 183 3568
HB total claims 7471 862 8333
CTB working age 4086 403 4489
CTB non working age 3385 2020 5405
CTB total claims 7471 2423 9894
Table 13: LHA rates
Size Criteria LHA rate (old) LHA rate (new) Difference
Shared room £60.00 £53.08 -£6.92
1 bedroom £78.45 £71.54 -£6.91
2 bedroom £99.62 £92.31 -£7.31
3 bedroom £121.15 £103.85 -£17.30
4 bedroom £160.38 £144.23 -£16.15
5 bedroom £196.15 £144.23 -£51.92
More than 75% of 1,110 claimants will be affected by total annual losses of approximately
£504,000.
The main potential triggers for crisis in terms of Housing and Council Tax benefits are:
Separation
Leaving home
Housing/Re-housing
Examples of Mitigation could include:
Relevant agencies made aware of changes and impacts.
Tenants made aware of changes in time to plan ahead.
Access to advice before taking on a tenancy.
Financial Capability – help and advice on sustaining a tenancy.
Discretionary Housing Payments (short term).
Good communication between advice services, criminal justice staff, social work staff,
homelessness service and other relevant services.
42
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
The move from Incapacity Benefit (IB) to Employment Support Allowance is currently underway
(introduced from 2008 for new claimants). A new, more rigorous medical test is to be introduced
and there will be a re-testing of existing claimants. There are currently 4,290 IB claimants in the
Borders. Using DWP statistics for March 2012 it is estimated that an additional 3000 people would
likely join the job market or move to UC.
Although some claimants will re-engage with the labour market it is unlikely to lead to significant
increases in employment. Places with high levels of claimants are usually in the older industrial
areas with the weakest local economies and offer little opportunity of finding work.
DLA to be replaced by PIP
In addition to UC, the Act makes significant changes to the Benefits System as they relate to people
with disabilities. In particular, Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) will be introduced in April
2013 replacing the current Disability Living Allowance (DLA). PIP will have a more rigorous
qualifying criteria than DLA. The national budget has been reduced by 20% in anticipation of fewer
people qualifying for this benefit. There are currently 5,450 DLA claimants in the Scottish Borders
and it is anticipated that a 20% cut will not only lead to significant changes and hardship for these
people, but also mean an annual loss of £4,094,678 to the local economy. It is therefore expected
that more people will be expected to enter the job market or move to UC.
Potential triggers for crisis include:
Renewal of existing claim
Loss of job through ill-health
Worsening or improvement of health assessment for ESA/PIP by ATOS
After 1 year – claimants on ESA(C) will lose benefit
Moving between entitlements (UC)
Examples of Mitigation would include:
Raising awareness of rights and help available through trade unions and health services .
Effective referral processes for advice and representation at appeals.
Effective processes for evidence gathering.
Disability Living Allowance: Total number of claimants in the Borders (5,450) will be cut by
20% leading to annual losses of £4,094,678.
Incapacity Benefit/Severe Disablement Allowance: Total number of claimants (3,730) will be
cut leading to annual losses in the range of £2,084,217 - £3,620,587.
Annual losses to Scottish Borders Residents = £6,682,894 - £8,219,264.
43
Changes from RPI to CPI: Financial Impact in the Borders:
I. 1,915 Jobseekers Allowance recipients will lose £91,861 annually;
II. 1,790 Carers Allowance recipients will lose £84,703 annually;
III. 2,830 Attendance Allowance recipients will lose £152,459 annually;
IV. 12,930 families receiving child benefit for 22,450 children will lose will lose £3,064,126
(£1,944,753 if CPI is used) over the course of a 3 year freeze (pro rata £1,021,375 each
year);
V. 800 ESA recipients will lose £46,592 annually;
VI. 2,460 Income Support recipients will lose £143,270 annually;
VII. 3,250 Incapacity benefit recipients will lose £184,935 annually.
Annual losses to Scottish Borders residents = £1,725,195.
SUMMARY
Total Annual Loss of £8,408,089 - £9,944,459 in the Scottish Borders
As highlighted above, proposals in the Welfare Reform Bill 2011 are set to have a substantial
impact on Borders residents who stand to lose between £8.4 and £9.9 million of income per year.
Claimants of health related benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit look to
be the hardest hit with an annual loss of approximately £6.1 -£7.7 million.
Proposed changes to Housing Benefit are likely to have the most widespread impact with an
estimated 75% (about 840) of current claimants being adversely affected by the reforms, resulting in
an annual loss of around £500,000 in real terms; this means a reduction of income for people, with
many losing their entitlement to benefit altogether.
Potential negative impacts:
Available housing may be unaffordable.
Reduction in income for many people with long term conditions and their families.
Knock on effect of loss of DLA/PIP to Carers.
Health impacts – e.g. less money for heating, food etc.
Increase in numbers who feel unable to work but who will be expected to satisfy
conditionality.
Risk of disabled and other vulnerable people facing sanctions.
Impact on other services (debt advice services, housing, and social work for example).
Gradual erosion of income in real terms.
Potential Mitigation Activity:
Housing Options Advice – eg through HUBS
44
Welfare Rights Advice and Representation
Money Advice
Employment Rights
Employability
Financial Capability
Education
Access to IT
Affordable Credit (Credit Unions)
Local Authorities – statutory responsibilities
Discretionary Housing Payments
SBC and the Welfare Reform Project Groups are committed to getting things right quickly to ensure
residents of the Borders who are affected by the changes do not end up with no financial support
week in, week out, over a period of time. This would cause increased anxiety to the individuals
involved as well as create longer term costs for support services, the Council and other relevant
organisations. SBC aim to prevent this from occurring by ensuring that, from the onset, people are
aware of what they are entitled to and how they can challenge decisions that go against them.
45
Consultation
Poverty is more than just a lack of income. The factors that generate poverty are wide-ranging and
include many day-to-day things in life such as health, housing, educational attainment, employability
and access to services. It is not enough to talk about poverty in isolation of other factors. It needs
joined-up action to grasp these problems effectively. 18% of households in the Scottish Borders live
in poverty13; this is approximately 10,200 households.
This is why, in 2010, Scottish Borders Council and its partners developed the Tackling Poverty and
Financial Inclusion Strategy as a Borders-wide approach to tackling poverty - one of the first
strategies of its kind in Scotland. The Strategy was reviewed in December 2012 and work began on
developing a new strategy in early 2012. Tackling poverty requires a joined-up approach, which is
why one of the key elements in developing the new strategy was about community engagement. It
is important to engage with households to obtain their views about poverty, how it affects them and
what they feel are the key issues. It is also important to engage with organisations to identity how
poverty affects how their organisations are managed and what step they are taking to tackle
poverty.
Community engagement began in March 2012 and continued throughout 2012. Once the strategy
was developed there were further consultations. These were:
Interviews with key partners and organisations
Survey sent out to all members of the Peoples Panel
Focus groups with services users from the Healthy Living Network
SB-AIRE Workshop - Tackling Poverty and Achieving Social Justice
Draft Consultation document circulated to key partners
A full report on engagement with the strategy development is appended to this document, and
highlights the key messages that came across. From this, a range of key themes were identified
which informed the development of this strategic approach and shaped the key outcomes.
Interviews with key partners and organisations
As part of the background preparation of this document, the Housing Strategy Team has worked
closely with NHS Borders, Education, Integrated Children’s Services, Economic Development,
Revenue and Benefits, Welfare Benefits Service, Citizens Advice Bureau, members of the
community and various other voluntary or third sector organisations. This exercise, which included
interviews with the heads of departments and organisations helped to identify the overarching
13 Scottish Household Survey 2005-2008
46
themes and specific actions for this strategy. It also helped identify what services are currently in
place to support vulnerable people, and where the gaps are.
From these discussions feedback included:
Need for improved collaborative service delivery at local level to remove barriers to services;
Better support to build employability skills;
Community development and capacity building should link more clearly to anti-poverty
agenda;
Financial awareness and income maximisation services are key;
Childcare and early intervention is crucial;
Work to redress the stigma and negative media image of families in poverty.
Survey sent out to all members of the Peoples Panel
In June 2012 a survey was sent out to members of the People’s Panel. The People’s Panel is
composed of member of the public living in the Scottish Borders who are happy to be consulted on
issues relating to living in the Scottish Borders and in the case of this survey, issues relating to
poverty. The key aim of this survey was to find out;
The background of respondents – age, gender and ethnicity
Key issues living in the Scottish Borders – transport, finance, education, debt and the
general cost of living
What the priorities should be for the new Tackling Poverty Scottish Borders
Focus groups with services users from the Healthy Living Network
Small scale research has been carried out across Healthy Living Network areas with community
groups to identify consistent themes regarding the impact of poverty and potential solutions.
A total of 27 participants took part in focus group discussions facilitated by the Healthy Living
Network team. There were a number of questions put to each group, these included:
What comes to mind when thinking about poverty?
What does poverty mean to you?
What do you think are some of the key priorities in Hawick/Galashiels/Eyemouth for tackling
poverty?
How do you think these problems should be tackled?
What could the Council and other agencies do to tackle these problems?
Do you think any of ideas mentioned about tackling problems in Hawick/ Galashiels/
Eyemouth would help you?
47
The groups were also asked but the Welfare Reform, travel, employment and living in the area.
Key Findings & Messages from Those Affected
Central to all three discussions is the idea that poverty in the UK/Scotland/Borders is not as extreme
as in Africa for example. Participants agreed that we are not living in ‘real’ poverty as we have not
reached this ‘crisis’ and therefore it is more acceptable.
Risk taking was emphasised across the groups with participants reporting greater risk taking in
communities by people who feel they have no other choice in making ends meet, this included
stealing through necessity.
Fuel & Food poverty was a concern across the groups with participants showing empathic
concern for older people and children and families. This included a prioritisation discussion
across the groups which illustrated how families go without in order to ensure those who need it
most get it, for example children. Discussion also progressed to include an analysis of all
groups making the harsh decision to heat or eat, and the implications this has for poorer health
outcomes.
Social isolation was discussed and related to the shame of living in poverty. Participants
identified and discussed the negative associations of living in poverty and how this impacted on
their ability to engage in community life.
Dependency and the opportunity to prevent this from happening was a priority for participants
and this included dependency on family members and friends.
Relationships with services are often difficult as a result of a subjective lack of choice and
control over decisions affecting their lives. Discussions progressed to training individuals and a
shifting emphasis in services to one of support.
Solutions were interesting and connect well to those being discussed at a strategic level. Of
particular interest were the ideas relating to tourism in Eyemouth that link closely to initial
discussions held through the ‘whole town’ approach amongst strategic partners. All groups
agreed that they would like to build a relationship with the council although they feel the face to
face link is missing. They all referred to their local councillor as the face of SBC. An agreed
solution across the groups is for the Council to provide face to face contact on a regular basis in
the community to build relationships with people and link them into services that may support
them through what are very difficult times.
Other solutions included:
Low cost meal options, not a soup kitchen, something less targeted but tackling poverty
indirectly so that it did not become stigmatised.
Training to support local people to increase their confidence and ability to contribute and tackle
poverty themselves.
48
Increase social support, opportunities to break down the barriers in communities and build
relationships between people.
SB-AIRE Workshop - Tackling Poverty and Achieving Social Justice
The key focus of the workshop was to look at the action plan. The action plan aims to pull together
all current and planned activity in relation to tackling poverty. There is a significant amount of
excellent work being done across the Council and other organisations and it’s important that we try
to identify and monitor all this activity in one place. This will help to inform and plan future activity
more effectively. In addition we also wanted to identify ways that we can direct and priorities action
at the areas within the SIMD, as well as ensuring that all residents in the Borders affected by
poverty also benefit from strategic intervention.
The attendees were split into different groups to discuss the key outcomes from the strategy:
Income
Employability
Health
Education
Housing, Community and Transport
Draft Consultation document circulated to key partners
The consultation was launched at the SB-AIRE Workshop on 25th June 2013 and ran until 25th
September 2013. A wide range of stakeholders and partners were consulted with, these included:
CAB
RSLs
NHS Borders
DWP
Police and Fire Service
Jobcentre Plus
Poverty Alliance
Various depts. at SBC
Community Council
Overall the draft strategy was well received:
‘I think this is a very comprehensive document and I am impressed with all the intentions. I do so
very much hope that we shall see good results in due course.’
‘This is a very comprehensive, thoughtful and useful document.’
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Tackling Poverty
Although low disposable income is the main cause of poverty, it would be wrong to view it purely as
a lack of money. The reality for those living in poverty is far more complicated and often, they face a
multitude of problems with no immediate or obvious solutions available. Cause and effect of poverty
become intertwined and impossible to define. Seeking to break the cycle of poverty is a long term
process.
The strategy will seek to intervene to tackle poverty in a number of ways. In particular the strategy
will seek to prevent poverty, intervene where it is identified poverty exists, assist those who are in
poverty and seek to ensure that any action taken is sustainable in the longer term. This will require a
comprehensive, integrated approach to tackling poverty.
It will be important to focus activities which seek to prevent poverty in the Borders on the groups
who are identified at greatest risk of falling into poverty; and in those areas where there are the
highest levels of deprivation.
Single households
Children in Poverty
Single Parents
Elderly
Long term sick/disabled
Homeless
The strategic approach set out in this draft document aims to intervene to tackle poverty in a
number of ways. In particular the strategy seeks to:
prevent poverty,
intervene where it is identified poverty exists,
assist those who are in poverty and
seek to ensure that any action taken is sustainable in the longer term.
This requires a comprehensive, integrated approach to tackling poverty.
INTERVENE ASSIST SUSTAINPREVENT
Langlee, Galashiels &Burnfoot, Hawick
Wider Scottish Borders Area
50
Through local engagement and research 7 Key themes and areas of work in relation to tackling
poverty were identified for the Borders:
Income
Employability
Education
Health
Housing
Transport
Community
Income
The continually rising cost of living is not being reflected in wages or benefit rates and the
impending welfare reforms only look set to further compound this problem. A holistic approach to
income maximisation is required to address the struggle to make ends meet.
Employability
Following a deep economic recession, employment is not easy to come by for many people.
Being equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to sustain and secure employment is
fundamental to improve life chances for individuals seeking work and their families.
Employability is defined by Scottish Government as: “the combination of factors and processes which
enable people to progress towards or get into employment, to stay in employment and to move on in
the workplace.”
Many people who are unemployed face greater barriers than others when it comes to getting into and
moving forward in the world of work. The reasons for this are often quite complex, but there are a
number of barriers that typically have to be overcome before people re-enter the workplace; including
low self-confidence and esteem, gaps in their CV, bad experiences of work, lack of references, high
anxiety, lack of recent work experience, low stamina, out of date employability skills, lack of
awareness of employers expectations, and stigma around mental health problems. As a result, some
people may need extra help and support to gain the benefits of work that many of us take for granted.
Some people may also belong to groups identified as priority groups for receiving assistance through
employability programmes, including lone parents, people with disabilities, people with mental health
problems, the long-term unemployed, young people leaving care and ex-offenders. It is important
that the people facing barriers to entering employment are directed to the appropriate services at the
right time, and that the staff supporting them are able to refer people to these services.
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Education
The educational achievement gap between society’s richest and poorest is apparent from early
years. Qualification levels are significantly lower among those living in poverty and school leavers
living in the most deprived areas are less likely to move on to positive destinations. A good standard
of education is essential to secure well paid employment, further learning or training opportunities
and avoid falling into the poverty trap.
Health
There are irrefutable links between poverty and ill health. Although Scotland’s overall health is
generally improving, this is happening at a slower rate among the poorest in society, and so the gap
between rich and poor is widening. Mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and ‘killer diseases’ such
as heart disease are more prevalent among those living in poverty and life expectancy is lower for
the poorest people.
Housing
A secure warm home is something that many people take for granted. Affordability and sustainability
of housing can be a daily struggle for those living in poverty. Keeping up with rent, upkeep of a
house and making sure the home is well heated and insulated can be incredibly difficult with very
little money to do so.
Transport
Transport poverty is a complex issue but there is a clear impact. Schools, hospitals, job
opportunities and leisure have become inaccessible to many, particularly in rural areas such as the
Scottish Borders where activities are widely dispersed and infrequent transport services and costs
are major concerns. Access to a car is important to residents of the Borders, and those who cannot
afford a car and associated costs often face social exclusion. Many people find the costs of public
transport unaffordable and many more find it inaccessible or inappropriate to their needs. For those
who do own a car, many find the running costs a strain on resources and have to make hard
choices in terms of balancing the costs of car ownership with other essentials such as heating,
eating, buying clothes etc. What we want is to create a more equal, affordable and accessible range
of travel options in the Borders to help improve the lives of those living in poverty, and socially and
financially excluded from society.
Although the majority of the Borders population live in communities of more than 500 people,
there are a number of communities that are located away from regular public transport routes.
A significant number of these people will also have limited access to a car for various reasons
such as:
• Can’t afford to run a car;
52
• Disability;
• One car households; and
• Too young to drive.
Some of these people can experience rural isolation and may be unable to serve their basic human
needs as well as community affairs such as evening classes, youth clubs, pre-school education,
sport and leisure. Others may live in larger communities with a wider range of facilities, but be
unable to participate in the community due to poverty, disability or infirmity.
Community
People living in poverty are less likely to be able to fully participate in their communities because
many simply do not have the disposable income needed to take part in clubs, events or activities in
their area. People living in the most deprived areas are also more likely to experience anti-social
behaviour and to feel unsafe in their neighbourhood. Problems such as vandalism, litter, noise
disruption and drug dealing are more common in deprived areas and, as a result, ill feeling towards
such areas is reinforced. By building resilience and knowledge within local communities vulnerable
people and families are better supported and able to access services and resources they need, and
are enabled to help tackle the causes and effects of poverty within their community.
Links to Single Outcome Agreement Priority 2: Reduce inequalities
Whilst many of the indicators SBC use to assess quality of life show that the Borders is generally a
good place to live, we have seen little improvement in outcomes for people within our most deprived
areas over the last 10 years, despite significant interventions and additional resources being
deployed in these areas by public sector partners. Many of the Borders-wide indicators e.g. for
breastfeeding, smoking during pregnancy, attainment, are above the Scottish average but when
examined at local level, large disparities exist between our most and our least deprived areas.
For example, whilst rates of child poverty in the Scottish Borders are lower than Scotland as a whole
(12.8% compared to 18.6% in Scotland), rates are as high as 41% in our most deprived areas.
The Community Planning Strategic Board wishes to see a targeted approach to partnership activity
in the Burnfoot area of Hawick and the Langlee area of Galashiels in order that outcomes are
improved over the long term (see evidence in Section 2 of the SOA). This will not necessarily
involve putting more money into these areas but will involve examining what is done with the
resources we all deploy currently and examining why it is only having a limited impact. There is also
a desire to see that work done through the Early Years Collaborative has a particular benefit to
those in our most deprived areas, ensuring that children in these areas do indeed get the best start
in life and go on to benefit from opportunities within an improved Borders economy.
53
Stretching targets will also be set through the SOA in order TO work to close the gap between the
most and least deprived areas, but current Welfare reforms, national government policy direction
and the challenging economic conditions mean that once again, achieving targets will be extremely
challenging and in some cases, simply maintaining the current levels will be an achievement.
Tackling Financial Exclusion
Tackling Financial Exclusion runs parallel to tackling poverty and the themes and outcomes
identified through the development of this strategy support and promote financial inclusion activity.
Research on motivations and barriers to becoming ‘banked’, completed by the Financial Inclusion
Taskforce in May 2010, identified the key barrier for becoming banked was reliance on a deeply
entrenched cash culture. Participants were comfortable in controlling their finances on a cash basis
and were fearful of losing this control by opening a bank account. Of particular concern was the risk
of getting into debt as a result of direct debits and becoming overdrawn. The strong reliance on cash
was demonstrated by recently banked participants who continued to budget and manage finances in
cash even when they became banked, using their bank account solely as a conduit for their money.
The research indicated that a Post Office Card Account (POCA) is not a stepping stone to becoming
banked, as it requires limited input from the user and the POCA does not currently challenge a
strong cash culture.
From this report it is clear that a strong driver based in necessity is required for an individual to
become banked. Whilst participants reflected on the benefits of managing finances via a bank
account, this did not represent a strong enough driver to opening a bank account. The drivers to
becoming banked identified in the research tended to be personal circumstances such as becoming
employed. This suggests a potential touch point for providing information about becoming banked.
Many of the barriers highlighted in the research were perceptual, highlighting the need to raise
awareness of banking across the unbanked audience. This includes:
Raising awareness of the existence of basic bank accounts and the limited function these
enable focusing on use of direct debit and overdraft.
Challenging the association between being banked and risk of debt.
Challenging inaccurate assumptions regarding the cost of being banked and identification
requirements.
Highlighting the core benefits of being banked and the disadvantages of reliance on cash.
54
Our Key Priorities and Outcomes:
INCOME
1. Residents of the Scottish Borders are at less at risk of financial exclusion and are
empowered to make responsible financial decisions
2. Residents of the Scottish Borders can access support and advice to help enable them to
maximise their disposable incomes.
EMPLOYABILITY
3. Borders residents have the ability to secure and sustain employment
4. Young people increase their participation in employability programmes and are able to
engage effectively in employment and training opportunities.
HEALTH
5. People live longer, healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives
HOUSING
6. People in the Scottish Borders can find a suitable place to live and have affordable, quality
housing options available to them that are sustainable in the long term.
7. People are less at risk of being in fuel poverty
EDUCATION
8. Children and young people make good progress with educational achievements and
attainments and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to proceed to adult working life.
9. Adult life chances are maximised by improving their educational achievement.
COMMUNITY
10. Communities are able to do more for themselves
TRANSPORT
11. Travel is more accessible for residents of the Borders, particularly for those on low income.
55
Implementation of Strategy
Partnerships
The Strategic Partnership Against Poverty (SPAP) is responsible for the monitoring and
implementation of the strategy. SPAP will seek to ensure that partners are working together in a co-
ordinated and coherent fashion by:
Working together at a local and national level between partners and with central government.
Ensuring that we make the best use of our existing resources and provide services in the most
cost effective and efficient manner to meet the outcomes.
Setting clear and challenging targets which will be monitored over time to determine the
effectiveness of the strategy.
Ensuring that clear linkages exist to current partner activity and strategic plans to maximise the
benefit of coordinated partner activity.
Ensuring that current and future activity is coordinated to avoid unnecessary overlap and
duplication and to ensure that complementary activity is undertaken.
Producing an annual update on the attainment of specified targets and outcomes.
Involving local communities in the design, delivery and implementation of the strategy to ensure
ownership of its objectives.
Scottish Borders CHCP Partnership Board
The Scottish Borders Community Health and Care Partnership Board is a Strategic Committee
accountable to NHS Borders and Scottish Borders Council.
The key functions delegated from NHS Borders Board and the Scottish Borders Council to the
CHCP include all governance arrangements relating to services delivered in partnership between
the organisation and other stakeholders for adults and older people, people with mental ill-health,
learning disabilities and children’s services. This includes joint planning, service redesign,
performance monitoring (including Single Outcome Agreement and HEAT targets) and
commissioning of services. Health Improvement, Drugs and Alcohol Services and Prevention
Strategies, Housing and Data Sharing also come within the remit of the CHCP.
The role of the Partnership Board is to:
to set the strategic vision
to agree a Strategic Plan for Community Health Partnership working
56
to monitor overall progress against joint HEAT targets, CHP objectives which relate to joint
working between SBC and NHS Borders and joint outcomes within the SOA including those for
Health Improvement
ensure structural and cultural barriers to joint working are minimised so that patients and the
public experience seamless care and enhanced services
to hold the Joint Planning and Delivery Committee to account in delivering all the above
Community Planning Partnership
The Scottish Government defines Community Planning as “a process which helps public agencies
to work together with the community to plan and deliver better services which make a real difference
to people's lives.” Community Planning Partnerships function within legislation set out in the Local
Government in Scotland Act 2003, which puts an emphasis on Local Authorities to ensure best
value.
The Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership has the following strategic aim:
"To work in partnership with other key public, voluntary and private bodies together with
communities and businesses to maintain and improve the quality of life and meet the needs of
Borders residents and their communities through the delivery of high quality public services,
projects, advocacy and other actions."
After an assessment of relevant data, statistics, local information, public opinion, and the external
context, the Scottish Borders Community Planning Partnership has organised its work around four
key themes: Early Intervention and Prevention; Place and Communities; Economy and
Infrastructure; Public Services in the Future. A structured set of work programmes sits under each
theme. The outcomes for the Community Planning Partnership are specified in the Single Outcome
Agreement (SOA) and each year a report is submitted to Scottish Government which demonstrates
how the Partnership is performing against the indicators that have been set out in the SOA.
Strategic Boards & Single Outcome Agreement (S0A)
A Borders Strategic Board has been established with the following membership - SBC, NHS
Borders, Borders Housing Network, Lothian and Borders Police, Scottish Enterprise, and Borders
College. The Board’s key responsibility is to ensure the effective delivery of the Single Outcome
Agreement (SOA). To do this, three themes have been established - Competitive Borders, Healthy
Borders, Strong & Safe Borders, as well as a cross cutting Fairer Borders theme (formerly the New
Ways Social Justice, Equalities and Diversity Group) - see figure 7 below:
57
Figure 7 Borders Strategic Board
Each of the theme teams is responsible for a set of local outcomes in the SOA (46 in the full and 21
in the prioritized `strategic’ SOA) and the engagement of stakeholders to influence future outcomes.
Use of Fairer Scotland Funding in the Borders is presented as part of the SOA, and throughout the
agreement there are outcomes that have a direct line of sight to Fairer Scotland outcomes.
The Single Outcome Agreement (SOA) has been used to inform and develop the strategic
outcomes. High level indicators included in the performance monitoring (Appendix 2) have been
taken from the SOA in order to maximise impact.
The “Healthy Borders” theme is addressed by the Community Health and Care Partnership (CHCP)
with which the Local Housing Strategy Partnership Group is involved. LHSPG Involvement with the
other themes is still being worked through but will be very necessary if the outcomes with the SOA
are to be addressed effectively.
58
Wider Consultation Questions
Please read the document and submit your feedback using the form below, telling us:
1. Has the consultative draft of the strategy clearly identified key national and local policydrivers?
2. Do you have any comments on the causes and effects of poverty, particularly in relation tothe Borders?
3. Do you agree with the 7 key themes identified and the proposed associated outcomes?
4. Have all the key issues been identified and considered in the draft document?
5. What are your views on the current and ongoing work that has been identified in the actionplan?
6. What else do you think Scottish Borders Council can do to help tackle poverty and financialexclusion?
7. Have the relevant partner organisations and related strategies that will ensure the delivery ofthe strategic objectives been identified?
8. Any additional comments?
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Tackling Poverty and Achieving Social Justice Action Plan - Our Key Priorities:
INCOME
12. Residents of the Scottish Borders are at less at risk of financial exclusion and are empowered to make responsible financial decisions
13. Residents of the Scottish Borders can access support and advice to help enable them to maximise their disposable incomes.
EMPLOYABILITY
14. Borders residents have the ability to secure and sustain employment
15. Young people increase their participation in employability programmes and are able to engage effectively in employment and training
opportunities.
HEALTH
16. Reduce health inequalities, ensuring that people live longer, healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives
EDUCATION
17. Children and young people make good progress with educational achievements and attainments and are equipped with the knowledge
and skills to proceed to adult working life.
18. Adult life chances are maximised by improving their educational participation and achievement.
HOUSING
19. People in the Scottish Borders can find a suitable place to live and have affordable, quality housing options available to them that are
sustainable in the long term.
20. People are less at risk of being in fuel poverty
COMMUNITY
21. Communities are able to do more for themselves
TRANSPORT
22. Travel is more accessible for residents of the Borders, particularly for those on low incomes.
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INCOME
Outcome 1: Residents of the Scottish Borders are at less at risk of financial exclusion and are empowered to make responsible financial decisionsAction
Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalIndicator
1.1Ensure everyone has access to a bank account, buildingsociety account, post office account or other financial product
SPAPEngage with financial institutions to ensure that all adults have access to abank account and affordable credit
7
1.2Continue to support the role of the Financial Inclusion officer inthe Homelessness Service
SOAEnsure appropriate referrals between agencies such as CAB, NHS andSBC’s Welfare Benefits Service, Homelessness Service and Social Workdepartment
7
1.3 All RSLs to provide monetary advice and support to tenants SPAPRSLs to ensure tenants have access to advice and support and to workclosely with other agencies
7
1.4Ensure information and advice is widely available and easilyaccessible across all relevant agencies
SPAPIdentify training opportunities internally and externally with partners andstakeholders as appropriate
7
1.5Explore increased provision of financial education to all agegroups, to help them be more financially capable and able tounderstand financial products
CYPPP To be carried out through the Curriculum of Excellence 3
1.6
Deliver adult learning including literacy and numeracyprogrammes targeted at a range of adult groups – currentlythese include "Managing your Money - financial inclusionprojects
SPAPAdult literacies partnership to continue to provide numeracy and literacysupport to people in the Scottish Borders
7
1.7Deliver a pilot project providing access to guidance on Powerof Attorney, making a Will and the financial aspects of funeralplanning for older people affected by cancer
WBSWelfare Benefits Service to implement the project to older people affected bycancer to empower individuals to make informed choices about futurefinances
15
1.8Develop the link between WBS and Criminal Justice throughthe new Criminal Justice WBO post
WBSWelfare Benefits Services to develop a project in conjunction with CriminalJustice assisting adult offenders making informed choices about their futureworking to reduce re-offending
7
Outcome 2: Residents of the Scottish Borders can access advice and support to help enable them to maximise their disposable incomes
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalIndicator
2.1Provide income maximisation advice across a range oforganisations
SPAP
RSLs to ensure access to income maximisation advice for tenantsEnsure residents engaging in home energy efficiency programmes receiveaccess to income maximisation advice through the Home Energy ScotlandHotline
7
2.2 Increase the take up of benefits in the Scottish Borders SPAPWelfare Benefits Service to support residents in income maximisation
Social Justice services to liaise with RSL financial inclusion services7
2.3Raise awareness among residents, elected members and staffabout changes through Welfare Reform – what’s happeningand where to get information/ advice.
SPAPRSLs to closely monitor impact of welfare reform on their tenants andcommunicate with partners
16
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2.4
Provide relevant, consistent, timely, accurate and appropriatelyaccessible information to the residents of the Borders whichwill enable them to plan ahead and prepare for Welfare Reformchanges
SPAPCHCP
SPAP to continue its role as the Welfare Reform Programme Board andmonitor implementation of this Strategy in Partnership with the CHCP
16
2.5SBC to continue to work with, and monitor activity within keyorganisations
CPPSOA Strategic Board to continue to effectively deliver the SOA. ScottishBorders Community Planning Partnership to continue to work closely withpartners for the benefit of people in the Borders
16
2.6Provide information and advice to those in hard to reach areasof the Scottish Borders, for example SBConnect and CouncilTax reminders
SPAP All partners to ensure information is widely available and accessible 7
2.7Work with partners to ensure partners website are accessible,user friendly and provide the same message on availableservices
CPP Partners to ensure all communications are consistent, regular and accessible 16
2.8Welfare Benefits Service to ensure their customers receivecorrect entitlement to benefits, and continue to assist withappeals and tribunal representation
SPAPWelfare Benefits Service to continue to promote the service throughout thearea ensuring people are aware of the service.
7
2.9 Ensure households are aware of money advice services SPAPEnsure campaigns to help those in debt are targeted at the appropriatehouseholds
7
2.10
Continue to fund the Mental Health Officer in the WelfareBenefits Service to support vulnerable clients and raisingawareness of the Welfare Reform within Mental HealthServices and user groups
SPAPThe Mental Health Officer continues to be funded by the Fairer ScotlandFund and deliver support services to vulnerable clients.
7
2.11
SBC Welfare Benefits Service and partners to continueworking in conjunction with the Child Care Partnership (CCP)to increase the take up of tax credits for working parents,increase awareness of help with child care costs andawareness of welfare reform
SPAPContinue to increase the take up of tax credits for working parents and toincrease awareness of help with child care costs.
5
2.12 Support people to access good quality childcare CP
Through different SBC Depts, local and private nurseries/ child-minders andthe voluntary sector, continue to support the development of good quality,affordable, accessible childcare places within Borders for all parents andcarers who wish them, so that they can work or study.
5
2.13
Welfare Benefits Service to run awareness sessions in theBorders for low paid workers in health, social care and thevoluntary sector including sessions held in a combination offamily centres and baby groups
SPAP
To provide awareness sessions in the Borders. (26 Welfare Reformawareness sessions were held throughout the Borders for workers in health,social care and the voluntary sector including sessions held in a combinationof family centres and community teams).
7
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EMPLOYABILITYOutcome 3: Borders residents have the ability to secure and sustain employment
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalIndicator
3.1Monitor and support the implementation of the ScottishBorders Economic Strategy
CPPSBC is shifting its focus and priorities to ensure that it supports the economywherever possible, and that each service understands how it can have apositive impact on economic outcomes.
2
3.2Maximises the support available to SBC for supportedemployment through Department of Work and Pensions andScottish Government funding streams
SPAPWBS working with internal and external partner organisations andstakeholders provide benefits advice to service users allowing them to makeinformed choices about their future
2
3.3
Redesign and Implement the Council’s new EmploymentSupport Service Structure including, new support plans forindividual clients, performance management framework andtraining plan for staff
HSS New Employment Support Service within SBC established with key partners 2
3.4Develop a Supported Employment Strategy for the ScottishBorders
HSSThe Employment Support Service is currently developing a strategy that willincorporate the new service and its key outcomes.
2
3.5Review and develop robust referral mechanisms forEmployment Support to pilot with key partners in the Borders,ensuring support is available for vulnerable household
HSS NHS Borders to continue input into employability services 2
3.6Ensure information on employability is up to date on theservices directory web pages and ‘ourscottishborders’ website
CPPSBC website it monitored closely by Housing Strategy and Services to ensurethat information is up to date. A new Communications Strategy for HousingStrategy and Services is currently being developed
2
3.7Increase employment and training opportunities for careleavers, offenders, people with learning difficulties, people withsupport needs and young people
HSS New Employment Support Service within SBC established with key partners 3
3.8JobCentre Plus to continue to provide key employabilityservices, bringing more young people and other job seekersinto employment
SPAPJob Centre Plus to deliver employability services such as Flexible New Dealand “Get Ready for Work” and maintain engagement with other agencies
2
3.9Implement the Skills Priorities Strategy through the BordersLearning and Skills Partnership
LSP
Borders Learning and Skills Partnership to ensure that everyone in the areahas the opportunity to become an effective contributor to our economy and toour society through commitment and action from the key local partners in thefield of education and skills
2
3.10Parents are supported to access employment and training tohelp reduce the risk of child poverty through the provision ofhigh quality, flexible, accessible and affordable childcare
SEYG Developing the locality service delivery model 3
Outcome 4: Young people increase their participation in employability programmes and are able to engage effectively in employment and training opportunities
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalIndicator
4.1Community Planning Partnership to Develop Scottish BordersYouth Work Strategy
SYWSGWork with partners to ensure the strategy links with the Economic andEmployment Support Strategy
4
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4.2 Increase the number of training opportunities for young people SYWSGLauder College and Enterprise Service to continue to offer information,support and guidance
4
4.3Education and Lifelong Learning to develop a youthrepresentative post for a young person aged 16-21 torepresent interests of young people
CYPPP
Through Involve: The Participation of Children and Young People in theScottish Borders. provide support, encouragement, and opportunity forchildren and young people to be enabled and empowered to participate indesign, delivery, development, and evaluation of services, should they wish
4
4.4Implement an apprenticeship scheme for young persons(aged16-25) within SBC Environment and InfrastructureDepartment
CPPMonitor and support the implementation of the Scottish Borders EconomicStrategy and links with the Employment Support Service
4
4.5
Ensure that everyone has the opportunity to become aneffective contributor to our economy and to our society throughcommitment and action from the key local partners in the fieldof education and skills
LSPAll partner organisation to continue to deliver core employability services andto liaise with the Council and other relevant organisations
4
4.6Get Ready for Work programme to provide 20 young peoplewith placements per year
CPP Life skills and Get Ready for Work Programme to continue 4
4.7 Deliver SBC’s local Youth Employment Scotland scheme BBGLiaise with Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and third sectororganisations to ensure they are aware of the scheme and are eligible toapply
4
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HEALTHOutcome 5: Reduce health inequalities, ensuring that people live longer, healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalOutcome
5.1
Work through the Joint Health Improvement Team and HealthyLiving Network to reduce inequalities in health and increasecommunity capacity for health improvement in geographicalareas of deprivation
CHCPPPFJHIT
Joint Health Improvement Team to work in partnership with communities andagencies to identify local health priorities and establish a network ofcommunity based health improvement programmes that meet need. Throughstaff, volunteer organisations, partner organisations and the publicThough Community Health Care Partnership (CHCP) continue to monitoroverall progress against joint HEAT targets, CHP objectives which relate tojoint working between SBC and NHS Borders and joint outcomes within theSOA including those for Health ImprovementWBS to continue to support and inform the NHS working group
6
5.2Continue to Implement the Sure Start Programme to supportfamilies with very young children
SEYGWBS to continue engagement with health professionals through sure startinitiative
5
5.3Improved the life chances for children, young people andfamilies at risk and ensure effective signposting to sources ofsupport for families in or at risk of poverty
SEYGWork to Increase healthy life expectancy at birth in the most deprived areasContinued engagement from the Scottish Association of Mental Health
8
5.4
Raise awareness and ensure appropriate referrals to theLifestyle Advice Service Develop a Keep Well Programme thatreaches out to and engages vulnerable groups to increase theuptake of health checks and engagement with LASS
CHCPPPFJHIT
Lifestyle Advisor Support Service to continue 6
5.5
Continue to offer programmes that support adults to developskills and confidence including (HLN), First Aid with a focus onbabies and children, Elementary Food Hygiene, Groupskills,Participatory Appraisal and Health Issues in the Community
CHCPPPFJHIT
Joint Health Improvement Team to work in partnership with communities andagencies to identify local health priorities and establish a network ofcommunity based health improvement programmes that meet need.
6
5.6
Build on evaluations from recent food events in communities,which have attempted to combine local food access with anemphasis on reducing the carbon footprint, to develop foodnetworking opportunities and partnership opportunities withlocal and national organisations.
CHCPPPFJHIT
Joint Health Improvement Team to work in partnership with communities andagencies; consistently building momentum, building on success anddeveloping a positive reputation for HLN and health in the community.
6
5.7Development of low cost food and health opportunitiesincluding continuation of ’Back to basics’, helping establishcooking skills to families on a budget
CHCPPPFJHIT
Joint Health Improvement Team has delivered a range of sessions oncooking skills in local communities and will continue to build on this work. Ithas catalysed the formation of a “Food Network” to bring about collaborationto improve nutrition and tackle obesity.
6
5.8
Continue to develop and extend growing programmes anddistribution work which has been developed in two of the fiveHLN areas and enabling produce to be distributed to thosewho need it most. Explore opportunities for partnershipworking in particular with Third Sector Partners e.g. TheBridge, Social Enterprise Borders, Volunteer Centre Borders
CHCPPPFJHIT
HLN to lead on the development of an asset based approach in identifiedareas of deprivation, in partnership with a range of agencies and communitygroups to support community development and long-term cultural change toimprove health and wellbeing.
6
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5.9Continue to deliver basic horticulture training to developgrowing programmes and influence local allotments projects
CHCPPPFJHIT
HLN to build on and further roll out the successful work carried out inInnerleithen
6
5.10Continue to promote energy efficiency sessions in communitiesand pilot one ‘Winter Warmth’ Campaign in partnership withThe Bridge and other local and national partners
LHSPGJHITTheBridge
Continued training and awareness raising among Frontline health staff, Socialworkers and carers
7
5.11Continue to support HLN in the commissioning of research andprojects within the voluntary sector, increasing the range ofopportunities available to communities
CHCPPPFJHIT
Joint Health Improvement Team to work in partnership with communities andagencies to identify local health priorities and establish a network ofcommunity based health improvement programmes that meet need.
11
5.12Explore opportunities for collaborative working withChangeworks and potential ‘warm homes fund’ projects whichcomplement current activity
LHS-PGPartnership working with Changeworks and RSLs and SBC to identify areabased schemes
7
5.13Develop better partnership working to help improve the healthof everyone in the community
CPP GPs to make appropriate referrals and engage with other organisations 6
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EDUCATIONOutcome 6: Children and young people make good progress with educational achievements and attainments and are equipped with the knowledge and skills toproceed to adult working life
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalOutcome
6.1Deliver a range of interventions designed to improveconfidence in parenting and improved self-worth through theEarly Years Framework
SEYGMulti-agency Early Years networks will develop in each locality reporting tothe Strategic Early Years group
5
6.2Ensure parents have access to information antenatally andpostnatally to make informed choices and engage withservices through Bump to Baby events.
SEYG Working HLN to give women the opportunity to attend Bump to Baby events 5
6.3 Continue to strengthen Early Years partnerships within localities SEYGMulti-agency Early Years networks will develop in each locality reporting tothe Strategic Early Years group
5
6.4Children and families within the Scottish Borders will besupported to ensure that the cycles of poverty, inequality andpoor outcomes in and through the early years are overcome
SEYGConsider the key messages and themes from local and national policy andguidance documents and implement these locally
5
6.5Help to build the capacity of families and communities to takecontrol of their circumstances and influence making best use ofservices
PIEGThe use of GIRFEC framework will be embedded across all services forchildren and young people and this will specifically include the use of theIntegrated Assessment Framework
5
6.6Parents involvement in all aspects of children and youngpeople’s learning will be increased
CYPPPSchools to continue to encourage parents to involved in their child’seducation through learning at home, home or school partnership or parentalrepresentation.
5
6.7Maintain the breadth and quality of childcare informationavailable for parents, carers and professionals
CPUse the shared knowledge, commitment and resources of all partners topromote the expansion of high quality early education and childcare inScottish Borders.
5
6.8 Adopt the GIRFEC Named Person approach PIEGThe use of GIRFEC framework will be embedded across all services forchildren and young people and this will specifically include the use of theIntegrated Assessment Framework
5
6.9 Develop and implement new locality early years delivery model SEYGMulti-agency Early Years networks will develop in each locality reporting tothe Strategic Early Years group
5
6.10Implement Education and Lifelong Learning (Schools)Strategic Improvement Plan 2012-15
CYPPPEducation and Lifelong Leaning Department to continue to build on andestablish partnerships in implementation of Strategic Improvement Plan
4
6.11Children and young people who are looked after at home willhave an improved provision of education and operationalopportunities and supports
CPGProvide direct support, through CL&D, to secondary schools to assist in theplanning of 16+ LC including the development of Activity Agreements
8
6.12Looked After and Accommodated Children will be supported toimprove their attainment and achievement
CPGWork with partners to develop wide range of AA opportunities for the mostvulnerable leavers
8
6.13Attainment and achievement levels for all our children andyoung people both within and out with curriculum time will beimproved
SSPPGImprove attainment for the lowest 20% group of achievers including LookedAfter Children
4
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6.14Curriculum for Excellence will be embedded to supportimprovements in attainment and achievement.
SSPPGSBC Education and Learning to extend links with: colleges and partners inlearning to continue the implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence
4
6.15Outcomes for all children and young people will be improvedas well as ensuring they have a positive and sustaineddestination beyond school
SSPPG Maintain and develop the 16+ Learning Choices Partnership 4
6.16 Improve parental participation in all aspects of school life CYPPP
Schools to continue to encourage parents to involved in their child’seducation through learning at home, home or school partnership or parentalrepresentation. Ensure enhanced links with Adult Services to enable effectivesupport during periods of transition.
4
6.17Work in partnership with children and young people to ensureimproved outcomes for children, young people, and theservices they use
PSG
Through Involve: The Participation of Children and Young People in theScottish Borders. provide support, encouragement, and opportunity forchildren and young people to be enabled and empowered to participate indesign, delivery, development, and evaluation of services, should they wish
8
6.18Young people will have support through transitions with accessto housing and housing support; and employment, training andvocational opportunities
Transition16+
Housing Support Delivery Plan and Employment Support Strategy arecurrently being developed and will help to provide a holistic approach foryoung people
8
6.19Ensure there are no monetary barrier to education throughfees and transports costs for activities
CYPPPSupport opportunities for children and young people to be included inactivities within their own communities through the locality delivery ofservices.
7
Outcome 7: Adult life chances are maximised by improving their education participation and achievement
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalOutcome
7.1
Provide information advice and advocacy service on a fullrange of issues to all the people in the Borders with emphasison benefit take up, terms, conditions of employment and livingwage rights
SPAPWelfare Benefits Service and Citizens Advice Bureau to work in partnershipto ensure people are appropriately informed
3
7.2Implement the Adult Literacies Strategic Plan 2011-2013 forScottish Borders
CLDLiteracies Partnership’s to ensure effective partnership and engagementacross a range of relevant organisations.
3
7.3Encourage participation in lifelong learning, specifically indeprived areas
PSGRe-structure the Community Learning and Development Service around theLearning Community model.
3
7.4Encourage a wider range of people to use libraries and themobile library for those in rural areas
SPAPContinue to support a range of cultural and community services and facilitiesincluding community learning and development programmes (ELL dept)
16
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HOUSINGOutcome 8: People in the Scottish Borders can find a suitable place to live and have affordable, quality housing options available to them that are sustainable in thelong term
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalOutcome
8.1 Implement Local Housing Strategy 2012-2017 LHS- PG
Continued commitment from housing associations to making best use ofstock through remodelling of sheltered housing, and keeping good records onadaptations and allocating houses accordingly to those that require adapted/adaptable housing
10
8.2Evaluate the housing options approach and continue toimprove provision of information and advice across tenures
LHS- PGClosely monitored through the LHS 2012-2017 and the development of thenew Communications Strategy
10
8.3 RSLs to embrace the Housing Options approach LHS- PG RSLs to continue working closely with the strategic authority 10
8.4Implement Homeless Prevention Strategy & The TacklingHomeless Delivery Plan
LHS- PGAll Scottish Borders Council Departments to work together to improveoutcomes for homeless service users
10
8.5 Develop a new Housing Support Model LHS- PGModel was developed in Dec 2012 and is currently being redeveloped into adelivery plan
10
8.6Monitor availability and impact of housing support for youngpeople and other vulnerable client groups
LHS- PG Housing Support Model being developed into a delivery plan for 2014 10
8.7Monitor and evaluate the means of access to social housingand develop actions with RSLs
LHS- PG Work in partnership with RSLs 7
Outcome 9: People are at less risk of being in fuel poverty
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalOutcome
9.1 Implement the Fuel Poverty Delivery Plan SPAPAll members of Strategic Partnership Against Poverty (SPAP) to monitor andevaluate implementation of the Fuel Poverty Delivery Plan
7
9.2Ensure all relevant partner organisations are engaged with andcontribute to tackling fuel poverty
SPAP
Continue to work with partners to tackle fuel poverty (USWITCH, UKTogether Scottish Government, EST, ESSAC, Changeworks, CAB, otherCouncil Depts, and NHS etc.) WBS to continue to work collaboratively withthe HEAS to identify vulnerable clients and provide energy efficiency advice
7
9.3Liaise with home owners, RSLs and private landlords andprovide current information, advice and standards to RSLs
LHS- PGContinue to monitor and update the SBC WebsiteDevelopment of the new Communications Strategy (HST)
7
9.4Explore potential funding streams to support a Home EnergyAdvisor Post
SPAPScottish Government Grants Scheme, Home Energy Efficiency ProgrammesScotland is currently funding the HEA post and this will continue until Sept2014. HST are currently looking into other sources of funding for the post
7
9.5Deliver Home Energy Efficiency Area Based Scheme for 2013-2016
LHS- PGPartnership working Changeworks and Scottish Government to ensureHEEPS is delivered in the Scottish Borders
14
9.6Continue to promote the availability of grants for energyefficiency measures
LHS- PGFor Changeworks to ensure its work complements that of SBC’s HomeEnergy Advice Service
14
9.7Encourage rural communities to bulk buy oil, saving money onfuel costs
LHS- PGWork in partnership with local communities groups and RSLS to provideinformation on bulk buying.
7
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COMMUNITY
Outcome 10: Communities are able to do more for themselves
Action Lead Commitment by SBC/ Local PartnersNationalIndicator
10.1 People in the Borders affected by poverty become advocates SPAPBorders Independent Advocacy Service to continue to provide a range ofadvocacy services free of charge for a wide variety of people
11
10.2Continue to work with communities groups to ensure access tolocal funding and other funding opportunities
CPP
Community Learning and Development to continue function and buildingpartnershipsWBS to develop stronger links through community learning anddevelopment and other partner organisations
11
10.3
Encourage people to get involved with local community andvoluntary organisations which provide advice and support forpeople throughout the Scottish Borders (Volunteer CentreBorders)
CPP
Borders Third Sector Partnership provides a link between ScottishGovernment and Local Authority and represents the Third Sector on theCommunity Planning Partnership. The Partners aim to promote and supportvolunteering, social enterprise and the growing social economy, communitydevelopment and third sector organisations.
11
10.4
Implement the 2013 grant scheme through the HLN inpartnership with The Bridge ensure that applications fromcommunity groups and other agencies attempt to mitigate theimpact of continued recession and poverty.
CHCPPPF
Community Mental Health Teams (NHS Borders) to continue participationand engagement in strategic priorities and ensure appropriate referralsystems are in place
7
10.5Explorer possibility of using third sector/ social enterprise tosupport communities to enable them to set up their own CreditUnions
SPAPSPAP to carry out feasibility study into the possibility of setting up CreditUnion. Liaise with RSLs as a potential way of setting up locally
11
10.6Continue to support Burnfoot Community Futures in their workto establish the Burnfoot Community Hub
CPPBig Lottery Funding £1.2million received in December 2013. SBC willcontinue to play a role in helping the development of the hub
11
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TRANSPORTOutcome 11: Travel is more affordable for residents of the Borders, particularly for those on low incomes
Action Lead Commitment by Local PartnersNationalIndicator
11.1 Maximise personal mobility and accessibility for all PTStrengthen partnership working that currently exists between the localauthority, health authorities and the voluntary sector currently basedthroughout the Borders
7
11.2 Promote and improve healthy modes of transport PT Work is currently underway in developing a new Transport Strategy 10
11.3 Reduce social exclusion throughout the council area PT Work is currently underway in developing a new Transport Strategy 10
11.4Enhance the local economy and provide improved transport to,from and within the Scottish Borders
PT Work is currently underway in developing a new Transport Strategy 10
11.5Continue to support and work with community transportservices to help provide transport to isolated communities
PT Ensure services are provided to those with transport problems 10
11.5WBS to advise on how to access entitlements to discountedtravel passes, blue badges and road tax
SPAPWBS to continue to ensure people have access to appropriate entitlements.Work closely with SBC Revenues and Benefits Department
7
GLOSSARY
BBG - Borders Business GatewayCHCP - Community Health and Care Partnership BoardPPF - Public Partnership ForumJHIT - Joint Health Improvement partnershipSEYG - Strategy Early Years GroupCLD – Community Learning and DevelopmentSYWSG - Strategic Youth Work Services GroupCYPPP - Children and Young People’s Planning PartnershipPIEG - Partnership Implementation and Evaluation Group
HSS – Housing Strategy and ServicesLSP – Learning and Skills PartnershipCP – Childcare PartnershipLHS-PG – Local Housing Strategy partnership GroupCPG – Corporate Parenting GroupPSG – Participation Strategy GroupPT – Passenger TransportSSPPG - Strategic Schools Policy and Planning Group
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PI’s for Tackling Poverty and Achieving Social Justice Strategy
Theme Indicator Monitoring/ Source
No. of people who do not have access to a bank account SOA 2013 (SHS)% of households that have some savings SOA 2013 (SNS)% of households describing themselves as coping well or very well financially HST (SHS)% of total population who are income deprived HST (SNS)No. of people accessing welfare benefits services HSTMonetary gains by people accessing Welfare Benefits Services HSTNo. of people who have accessed welfare benefits pages on SBC website HSTNo. of benefit issues dealt with on behalf of clients by CAB SOA (CAB)Monetary value of benefit issues dealt with on behalf of clients by Borders CAB SOA (CAB)
Income
No. of new debt clients assisted by Borders CABx and SBC SOA (CAB)Median earnings (£s) for residents living in the Scottish Borders who are employed SOA 2013 (SNS)No. of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance SOA (ONS)No. of young people (16-24) claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance SOA 2013 (SNS)% of the population (aged 16-64 years) in receipt of out of work benefits SOA 2013 (SNS)% of the population (aged 16-64 years) with low or no qualifications SOA 2013 (SNS)% of the local workforce who have no qualifications SOA (ONS)
Employability
% of people receiving job related training HST (SNS)No. of people participating in HLN activities HLNNo. of people accessing Back to Basics (cooking skills for families on a budget) HLNHealthLife expectancy at birth of males and females in the most deprived areas of the Scottish Borders GROSNo. of people each year assisted to remain in their own home or community LHSNo. of households receiving free energy efficiency advice through the HEAS LHSHousing% of households in fuel poverty LHS (SHCS)No. of post-school individuals participating in community learning opportunities SOA (CLD Survey)% of school leavers going into employment, education or training (positive destination) SOA 2013 (SG)% of looked after children school leavers in a positive follow up destination SOA 2013 (Careers Scotland)No. of 16-19 year olds supported to progress into work, learning or training SOA (SDS)No. of adults successfully completing learning opportunities targeted at improving literacy & numeracy SOA (SB Literacies Database)No. of young people receiving free school meals HST (SG)
Education
Levels of Child poverty in the Scottish Borders SOA (SNS)No. of voluntary organisations SOA (Online Borders)No. of community groups supported by local CVS regarding capacity building SOA 2013No. or registered volunteers SOA (VCB)No. of organisations (public sector, businesses, voluntary sectors) engaging volunteers SOA (VBC)% of Borders residents who say they volunteer SOA 2013 (SBC-HS)
Community
% of adults aged 16+ who have given up time to volunteer in the previous 12 months SOA (SNS)
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Theme Indicator Monitoring/ Source
% of households who do not have access to a car household for private use HST (SHS)% of driver journeys to work made by public or active transport SOA 2013 (SNS)% customer satisfaction with public transport services SOA/ LTS (SBC-HS/ BSS)% of residents with access to a regular (hourly or better) bus service SOA (SBC-HS)No. of passengers on the main public transport routes LTS (Operating Companies)
Transport
No. of people using the transport to healthcare schemes Passenger Transport
GlossaryLTS – Local Transport Strategy 2007/08SOA – Single Outcome AgreementLHS – Local Housing StrategyVCB – Volunteer Centre BordersCAB – Citizens Advice BureauSHS – Scottish Household SurveySNS – Scottish Neighbourhood StatisticsSBC-HS – SBC Household SurveyHST – Housing Strategy TeamSDS – Skills Development ScotlandSG – Scottish GovernmentHLN – Healthy Living NetworkHEAS – Home Energy Advice ServiceEYS – Early Years StrategyBSS – Bus Satisfaction SurveySLS – School Leavers Survey
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Housing Strategy TeamGalashiels Area Office
Paton StreetGalashielsTD1 3AS
Tel: 01896 661392