LIFT (Low Income Families Together) organised an event to give local people an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing changes to the welfare and benefits system yesterday. Around sixty people attended the Scotland’s New Social Security System: What Does It Mean for You? conference in Muirhouse Millennium Community Centre yesterday.
And who better to explain the changes than Jeane Freeman MSP, the Minister for Social Security? Ms Freeman gave a comprehensive report on how Scotland is slowly but surely building our own welfare and benefits system, learning from the mistakes and experiences of the present DWP welfare reforms.
Taking questions from the audience, the Minister robustly defended her government’s considerable efforts to mitigate the worst excesses of Westminster austerity measures and Ms Freeman also promised to answer written questions submitted after the event.
Judith Robertson, Chair of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, explained the work of her organisation and said it is important that things like the fundamental right to adequate housing are recognised by all.
While conceding that the SHRC has few resources and has limited powers, she suggested that breaches of human rights is one avenue LIFT could pursue and Ms Robertson pledged to continue working with the group.
“The right to housing, the right to social security: these are your rights. We all have them – use them!”
LIFT project manager Pauline Nicol Bowie said: “Thanks you to everyone who attended today, what a great turn out. I think everyone understands why we support and advocate for the families facing homelessness, thanks to the councillors who attended and to everyone who supports LIFT and the campaign to highlight the use of unsuitable accommodation.
“Thanks to Willie Black for his support and for putting up with my never ending questions and the mums delivering the workshops – you guys ROCK!”
Willie Black, who helped to organise the event, said: “There will be a conference report and a group will compile a list of questions that will be submitted to both Holyrood and the city council. We need action.”
More pictures to follow on our Facebook page
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