To boost incomes, employment & health, we need greater ambition from Ministers
Alison Johnstone MSP, Social Security & Health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today highlighted an increase in deprivation in eleven local authority areas.
The latest Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, which looks at a range of factors including wages, jobs and health, shows that the council areas with the largest increases in deprivation are West Dunbartonshire, Midlothian, North Ayrshire & South Ayrshire.
Alison Johnstone MSP said:
“To see an increase in multiple deprivation shows that communities are being failed by all levels of government. We have neighbourhoods where problems have become embedded, and that is a tragedy for every individual affected.
“If we’re to boost incomes, employment chances and health, we need to see greater ambition from Scottish Ministers and local authorities. Yes, the Westminster Government’s continuing agenda of cuts plays a part, but we cannot let that stop us.
“With devolution of employment programmes we can stop the sanctions that push so many people into hardship and poor health. The Green MSPs' recent report has shown the Government how to do this.
"We can push further on a real Living Wage across our economy, and we can boost people’s health by committing to a major programme of housebuilding and energy efficiency measures, along with better public transport and cycling and walking infrastructure. If Scottish Ministers are serious about tackling deprivation in our communities, they must make those priorities.”
Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation