Tag: Poverty

Scots in poorest areas 28 PER CENT more likely to develop cancer

New report highlights health impact of deprivation  

SCOTS living in the country’s most deprived areas are 28 per cent more likely to develop cancer than their counterparts in the least deprived postcodes, according to new analysis published today by Cancer Research UK. 

Today’s figures reveal there are around 4,100 cancer cases associated with deprivation in Scotland each year – that’s around 1 in 8 of all cases. 

Socioeconomic deprivation exists across Scotland, with substantial variation even within towns and cities. If all areas of Scotland experienced the same cancer rates as the most affluent areas, researchers estimated that around 80 cancer cases per week could be avoided. The charity is calling on the Scottish Government to urgently close the cancer inequality gap.*  

The complex mix of factors driving the deprivation gap includes:   

  • Greater exposure to cancer risk factors, including smoking and obesity, meaning people in more deprived areas are more likely to develop cancer  
  • Lower uptake of HPV vaccination and lower participation in bowel and cervical screening programmes, reducing the opportunity to prevent cancer
  • Clear evidence that people from deprived areas face barriers to accessing timely care, which contributes to inequalities across the cancer pathway.   

The charity is urging the Scottish Government to do more to close the cancer deprivation gap through bold action on prevention, including policies to tackle smoking and obesity.  

To deliver long-term improvements in cancer diagnosis and care in every postcode, targeted campaigns would help break down barriers to seeking help, and providing support for people to participate in cancer screening programmes would be crucial in reducing the inequalities revealed in today’s analysis.  

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said:  “These figures are not only unacceptable but avoidable. Everyone in Scotland deserves to live in an environment that gives them the best chance of a long and healthy life, free from cancer, yet stark health inequalities persist.  

“To help end the cancer postcode lottery, the Scottish Government must step up prevention efforts and ensure everyone can access high-quality cancer care wherever they live.”  

Beyond the physical and mental toll of a cancer diagnosis, people also face financial pressures, including loss of income and increased travel costs for treatment. With higher cancer rates occurring in the most deprived areas, these costs are more likely to impact people already struggling financially.  

Today’s report also revealed that the largest inequalities are in rates of smoking-related cancers, with lung cancer contributing around 2,500 cases linked to deprivation in the Scotland each year.  

Despite progress in tackling the harms of tobacco, the latest Health Survey for Scotland shows smoking prevalence is much higher among adults living in the most deprived areas in Scotland (23 per cent) than among those living in the least deprived areas (seven per cent).

The charity is calling for the Tobacco and Vapes Act to be implemented swiftly in Scotland alongside increased funding to ensure everyone can access local, free stop smoking support as well as accelerating progress to implement a national targeted lung cancer screening programme.

Picture by Lesley Martin
Dr Sorcha Hume, Cancer Research UK public affairs manager in Scotland.

Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager for Scotland, Dr Sorcha Hume, said: “It is unacceptable that cancer rates remain significantly higher in Scotland’s most deprived areas. 

“While the causes are complex, early diagnosis is key to closing the survival gap. We must improve symptom awareness, remove barriers to seeking help, and support informed screening uptake in these communities. Long-term, funded national awareness campaigns targeted at those most affected are also essential. 

“One of the report’s most stark findings is that lung cancer contributes more than 6 in 10 deprivation-associated cancer cases in Scotland. Smoking remains the leading cause, and lung cancer is often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. 

“To address this, we must see the timely implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act, properly funded stop smoking services, and the introduction of a national lung cancer screening programme in Scotland.” 

cruk_incidence_by_deprivation_2019_22Download

Aldi donates 24,039 meals to Edinburgh charities over school summer holidays

Aldi stores across Edinburgh donated 24,039 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations across the UK throughout the recent school summer holidays.

The donations took the number of meals redistributed by Aldi in 2026 from more than 8.8 million before the school holidays to 10.9 million – an increase of 24%.

Aldi has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 to redistribute surplus food from its stores to charities and community organisations across the UK.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “There’s no reason for good food to go to waste when it can be put to use by organisations supporting their local communities.

“Our stores redistribute surplus food throughout the year, giving local charities a regular source of food they can use to support the people who rely on them.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “For many of the organisations we work with, summer doesn’t mean demand eases off. The school holidays can bring an additional pressure, as families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.

“Regular surplus food donations give charities something practical they can use straight away, helping them keep shelves stocked and respond to what people in their communities need.”

Shoppers in Edinburgh can also donate food and everyday essentials to local charities, foodbanks and community groups through community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.

Aldi also works with Company Shop to redistribute surplus food from its Regional Distribution Centres.

Poverty Alliance National Conference

WEDNESDAY 18th NOVEMBER at HAMPDEN PARK, GLASGOW

Scotland’s political landscape is changing fast. The question for everyone working to end poverty is what we do about it.

At this year’s National Conference, we will bring campaigners, community organisations, policymakers and people with lived experience of poverty into one room to work on that question together.

👇 *Book your place before 18 September to receive an Early Bird rate!

https://www.povertyalliance.org/delivering-change-our…

New research: total take up of state support would reduce pensioner poverty by 15%

TAKE UP WOULD SAVE NHS AND SOCIAL CARE SERVICES ALMOST £1 BILLION

  • Research shows that 100% take up of key benefits would cut numbers of pensioners in poverty by 280,000 
  • Due to health impacts, full take-up would also save the NHS and social care services in England £950 million a year 
  • Independent Age recommends the UK Government publish a take-up strategy for financial entitlements to ensure all older people receive everything they should be 

New research from national charity Independent Age shows that full take-up of three key financial entitlements could lift 280,000 older people out of poverty across the UK, reducing pensioner poverty by 15%. This includes Pension Credit, pensioner Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. The analysis was carried out by the research agency Public First. 

The report, entitled ‘The only way is up: The impact of improved entitlement take-up on pensioner poverty and healthcare spending’ also shows that increasing take-up of these entitlements to 100% could help improve older people’s health, leading to a reduction in health and social care public spending by up to a colossal £950 million a year in England.  

Independent Age is calling on the UK Government to publish an all-entitlements take-up strategy for the UK. This should include a strong commitment and targets to increase take-up.  

The number of older people in poverty in the UK is rising, with around 1.7 million in relative poverty in 2024/25, which is an increase of 200,000 compared to the year before. Another one million live close to the poverty line.  

Despite this, the charity says that too many eligible older people are missing out on money set aside for them. Over one in three (38%) of those eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, and around 230,000 older households are missing out on Housing Benefit.

Official take-up figures of Council Tax Reduction are not produced, however the report analysis indicates that over a million pensioner households could be missing out on this vital support.  

The organisation is also calling for the Pensions Commission to agree on what an adequate income in later life looks like, and the UK Government to commit to ensuring everyone receives this.

Concerningly, full take up would also provide an additional 770,000 older people with more vital income, but they would still remain in poverty, indicating that financial entitlements and the State Pension alone is not always adequate to live on. 

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age said: “Our social security system was designed as a safety net for all of us but the evidence is clear, it is failing older people in poverty. Money that has been set aside is not reaching the older people who need it and at a time with increasing costs, the impact of this is devastating.  

“Through our helpline, we hear often from older people who are having to skip meals or only wash once a week to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.  

“Older people on a low income have been left to struggle for too long. That’s why we urgently need a strategy to ensure everyone receives the support they are entitled to and an agreement on what an adequate income looks like in later life for all of us as we age. 

“With the upcoming changes in leadership, this is a golden opportunity for the UK Government to reverse the worsening picture of poverty in later life.” 

Independent Age’s report found that three groups especially benefitted from increased take-up of these entitlements. These were: older people living alone, older renters and those on the old State Pension. This is due to a combination of likely higher initial costs such as housing or energy, and a lower income. 

Valerie’s Story 

Valerie, 68, from the Isle of Wight 

“Once the rent was paid, along with Council Tax – more than £150 a month even with the single person discount – there wasn’t enough left. I had to cut back on everything. I lived on £1 meals from Iceland because they were cheap and filling, even though I knew they weren’t very nutritious.

“I relied on a local community pantry where £5 bought roughly £15 of food.

“I couldn’t afford to put the heating on. My house is all electric and it was simply too expensive. I spent winters wrapped in blankets, drinking cups of instant soup to keep warm, and sometimes slept downstairs so I didn’t have to walk through cold rooms at night.” 

Valerie called Independent Age and, while she wasn’t eligible for Pension Credit, an adviser supported her to start receiving Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, which she hadn’t previously been aware of. After starting to receive these entitlements, Valerie described the impact this had on her life.  

“Life is so much better now. I still budget carefully, but I’m not living on my credit card anymore. I can buy fresh vegetables, cook proper meals and freeze portions so food lasts longer.

“I can travel to the mainland to see family, and I enjoy the things that matter to me, such as going to the local theatre and being part of the choir. I called the Independent Age Helpline at a time in my life when I didn’t know where to turn.

“The support I received has made a dramatic difference to my daily life. I nearly didn’t make that call – but I’m so glad I did. Before that call, I was surviving day to day. Now, I feel like I’m living again.” 

Big Hearts: Centre Circle Whole Family Hub at Tynecastle backed by the Scottish Government

Big Hearts is leading a national partnership with four other well-established football charities in Scotland to tackle child poverty, through a £850,000 Whole Family partnership funding.

This partnership will establish five Centre Circle Whole Family Hubs across Edinburgh, Falkirk, Aberdeen, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire to support families experiencing financial hardship.

Centre Circle is an innovative model designed to help families access inclusive and preventative support at their local football ground: a place they already know and trust.

The partnership aims to support 500 families in its first year, through relationship-based, whole-family support that helps struggling households improve financial stability, wellbeing and resilience.

Big Hearts Community Trust, the charity of Heart of Midlothian FC, will lead on the Centre Circle partnership with four strategic delivery partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

Football sits at the heart of communities across Scotland, creating a welcoming and relaxed environment where people can connect and access support without judgement. Centre Circle will open a new chapter by combining local knowledge with a shared delivery framework and common outcomes across five regions.

Centre Circle is funded by the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund. As part of its latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, the Scottish Government announced that our leading partner Big Hearts was one of 10 organisations selected through the £20 million Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund.

Craig Wilson, CEO of Big Hearts said: “Centre Circle is a new approach to deliver whole family support across local communities in Scotland through the driving force of the beautiful game.

“The £850,000 funding announced by the Scottish Government, with only 10 organisations supported for 2026/27, is a testament to the incredible work that has been delivered so far by Big Hearts and our key partners: Falkirk Football Community Foundation, Aberdeen FC Community Trust, Morton in the Community and The Killie Community.

“Football charities play a vital role in engaging with isolated and hard to reach families. Together, we believe Centre Circle can create transformative change with more resilient, connected and supported families.”

Further investment to tackle child poverty in Scotland

Ensuring support is available where and when families need it

TEN charities will receive a share of a £20 million fund in 2026-27 to deliver wide ranging support to improve wellbeing, boost incomes, and help parents towards employment as part of the Scottish Government’s drive to eradicate child poverty.

The charities involved estimate that up to 35,000 families could benefit from the Scottish Government’s package of whole family support, spanning almost all of Scotland.

The beneficiaries include:  

  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre (Mindroom), which will expand its support into new areas of Scotland, such as Dundee, to pair parents of neurodivergent children with a Family Adviser to help boost incomes and improve children’s outcomes
  • Home Start Caithness which will bring together nine organisations to provide one-step gateway to financial and wellbeing support in the region
  • Borders Community Action who will work with 30 local charities under a new partnership to embed support in rural communities, where poverty can be harder to identify and the right support more difficult to access
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector which will coordinate a new partnership between more than 30 local organisations to deliver help specific to the needs of communities across the city

In Dundee, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville met with families of neurodivergent children to hear about the difference that effective support at point of need can make. Mindroom will use this funding to expand into new areas of Scotland.

Ms Somerville said: “We have made great strides in our ambitious mission to eradicate child poverty. Within the powers we have, we have boosted incomes while delivering a transformational cost of living support package.

“But we know that more needs to be done, which is why we are driving whole family support. This is about making sure that people can access the help they need easily, as simply as possible, and as quickly as possible.

“To remove barriers, we need to empower local charities and local people and bring them together with other services so that there are clear and easy ways to access the right support, in the right place and at the right time.

“I am proud that this ambitious programme, which we will deliver in partnership with charities across Scotland, does just that.”

CEO of Mindroom Alan Thornburrow said: “We see the benefits that whole family support brings to parents and children on a daily basis, so we are pleased to receive support from the Scottish Government to expand our services, including into Dundee.

“Neurodivergent children and their parents have historically found it challenging to access the right support, in the right place – but we are determined to be there for them, tailoring services to meet their individual circumstances, and giving children the best start in life in the process.

“This funding will help us do so on a larger scale, enabling us to reach more people in varied communities. We look forward to pressing ahead with this work.”

tackling-child-poverty-delivery-plan-2026-2031Download

Children and families – Cost of Living Support Scotland

Information on benefits – Social Security Scotland

The funding comes from the Whole Family Support Third Sector Delivery Fund, announced as part of the latest Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, Bringing Hope,Building Futures, and, subject to confirmation during the annual Scottish budget process, it is expected to continue on an annual basis while the programme is in operation.

The 10 organisations that secured funding following a competitive application process are:

  • Community Enterprise in Scotland Ayrshire
  • Borders Community Action
  • Early Years Scotland
  • Citizens Advice Scotland
  • Capital City Partnership
  • Salvesen Mindroom Centre
  • Big Hearts Community Trust
  • Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector
  • Home Start Caithness
  • One Parent Families Scotland

CAS: Basic bank accounts essential in tackling financial exlusion

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced it has conducted secret analysis, using evidence supplied by Citizens Advice Scotland.

Being without a bank account is the ultimate form of financial exclusion.

We’ve been working to raise awareness of the barriers banks create for so many people across Scotland and why more needs to be done.

Now, nine major banks have committed to improving their service in this area.

Read about our work on this here: 

https://www.cas.org.uk/…/basic-bank-accounts-need-be…

Extra Time: Supporting low-income families

£2.5 million to expand after school activities

An additional £2.5 million is being invested to expand free after school activity clubs for primary school children from low-income families, starting this August.

The investment builds on the success of the Extra Time programme – delivered in partnership with the Scottish Football Association (SFA) – which currently supports around 5,000 children every week across 50 clubs in 27 local authority areas.

The new funding will test different activity provision across Scotland, focused on helping children and families who would not otherwise be able to afford access to after school activities.

The funding will support activities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Moray, Borders, Highland and Shetland, working with St Mirin’s Out of School Care, YouthLink Scotland and the SFA. Provision spans rural, island and border communities, with activities ranging from sport and arts to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and creative skills.

Cabinet Secretary for Education Màiri McAllan said: “Every child deserves the chance to take part in activities which support their health, wellbeing and confidence – regardless of their family’s income.

“This investment will open doors for more children who might otherwise miss out, while also helping their parents to work, increasing household incomes and tackling child poverty.

“Building on the strong foundations of the Extra Time programme we are now testing a wider range of models across Scotland – from island communities in Shetland to the Borders – so we can learn what works best and shape the future of school-age childcare.”

Activities run Monday–Friday, 3–6pm, for primary school children from low-income families. All providers will have safeguarding policies, PVG checks and insurance in place.

SFA_Extra_Time_Annual_2026_Impact_ReportDownload

The £2.5 million is part of a wider 2026-27 Scottish Government investment in school-age childcare including:

Older Scots risk being trapped in poverty, warns charity 

  • Annual financial wellbeing index shows little to no progress for pensioners in poverty across Scotland.
  • Numbers of older people on a low income cutting back on food and energy remain worryingly high.
  • Independent Age calls for political action to prevent a generation left in poverty.

Independent Age’s second annual index into older people’s financial wellbeing in Scotland shows little progress on key indicators of pensioner poverty.

The ‘Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index: Scotland 2026’, commissioned by the national older people’s financial hardship charity and conducted by the Diffley Partnership is a nationally representative poll of 1,800 people aged 66 and over. The research is repeated annually to track trends over time, and this is the second year that the research has been conducted.

The 2026 Index shows that one in five older people in Scotland have a household income of less than £15,000 a year. Of this group:

  • more than 1 in 2 have skipped meals.
  • 8 in 10 have cut back on heating.
  • almost half have housing costs that are, or are becoming, unaffordable.

UK and Scottish Government statistics show that 130,000, or one in eight, older people in Scotland are currently living in poverty.

Morgan Vine, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age said: “Action on pensioner poverty is at risk of stalling, with a generation of older people left trapped in poverty and making dangerous cutbacks as a result. 

“Our latest Index shows that, in many areas, little progress has been made in the last year, including older people still feeling unrepresented by politicians, being weighed down by mounting costs, and not feeling their incomes and the financial support available is enough.

“With an ageing population it is vital that politicians across the political spectrum recognise the need for dedicated and sustained action to ensure older people living on a low income can live a decent and dignified life.

“This is a golden opportunity for the new Scottish Government to act now, to change the picture and create a much more positive reality for all of us as we age.”

Independent Age is calling for the introduction of a Pensioner Poverty Strategy to coordinate efforts to drive down poverty among pensioners.

The Index looks at five research areas: income and financial wellbeing, costs and cutbacks, housing, quality of life and political representation.

Income and financial wellbeing

Just one in 20 (6%) of all older people were confident that the State Pension would be enough to cover basic living expenses in the future.

Awareness of most social security payments has remained mostly static since 2025.  Of all the people on a low income of under £15,000 a year, 1 in 5 are not aware of Pension Credit (19%), and the number is the similar for Housing Benefit (20%). One in eight are not aware of Council Tax Reduction (14%).

Only around half (54%) of older people agreed that they were confident they were receiving all the financial support they were entitled to, and less than half (45%) agreed they were confident they know how to apply for the financial benefits they were entitled to.

Costs and cutbacks

Eight in ten (77%) older people on a low income said that they have cut back on heating, and more than a third say they cannot afford to keep their home warm. More than half have skipped meals.

Significant proportions of older people across all incomes are also worried about energy usage. 21% cannot afford to keep their home warm enough, 26% are not content with the energy efficiency of their home, 29% say their current energy bills are not affordable and 13% are not confident they can meet the cost of their energy over the next 12 months.

Housing 

More than 1 in 4 older people are living in a home that is becoming, or is, unaffordable to them. The housing affordability picture is considerably worse for older people on a low income than the general older population, with almost half (48%) saying their housing costs are, or are becoming, unaffordable.

Political representation

Most older people in Scotland do not feel well represented by political bodies and representatives. This generally has remained unchanged since the 2025 Index, where feelings of lack of political representation were high. One significant decline in feeling has been towards the UK Government. These have eroded particularly strongly – this research wave shows a five-percentage-point increase in the proportion who say the UK Government do not represent them (‘not very’ or ‘not at all’).

Recommendations

Independent Age recommends:

  • All political parties commit to working cross-party to address pensioner poverty.
  • The Programme for Government commits to introducing:
    • a national Pensioner Poverty Strategy. 
    • a Warm Homes Programme for older people, to reduce energy bills through improving energy efficiency.
  • The Scottish Government’s Benefit Uptake Strategy refresh takes a holistic approach to maximising the income of older people by taking action to improve take-up of devolved and reserved entitlements.
  • Improving the social security system and support available to older people in Scotland. 
  • The Scottish Government guarantee the right to a secure and affordable home, by improving access to, and increasing funding for, Discretionary Housing Payments and building the affordable social homes older people need.
  • An Older People’s Commissioner for Scotland is created.
  • The UK Government ensures reserved social security payments are set at an adequate rate.
630cc994-3a54-42f2-9f62-ed805f2d59c2Download

Stephen O’Donnell calls on people in Edinburgh to support Haiti’s hungry children ahead of World Cup clash

Hundreds of Scots have already provided nearly 900,000 meals for kids in crisis-hit Haiti with Scottish charity Mary’s Meals

Former Scotland star Stephen O’Donnell has backed a Scottish charity appeal to feed hungry children in Haiti ahead of the nations’ World Cup clash.

Scotland will play their first World Cup match in 28 years when they take on Haiti in Boston this Sunday. Haiti have qualified for only their second World Cup and first since 1974, but their participation is even more remarkable given they were unable to host any qualification matches on home soil.

The situation in Haiti is dire. Armed conflict has intensified and gangs now control an estimated 90% of the capital city, while dominating areas previously deemed safe. Widespread violence is devastating the economy, agriculture, and supply chains, leaving the country to face the worst hunger crisis in its history, with more than half of the population currently experiencing acute food insecurity.

Hardest hit are Haiti’s children. Hungry and surrounded by violence, many are being recruited into armed gangs – lured by the promise of food.

Mary’s Meals, the school feeding charity founded in a shed in the Scottish Highlands, has been providing school meals in Haiti since 2006. Under normal circumstances, Mary’s Meals reaches more than 196,000 children every school day, providing them with food, energy to learn and the hope of a brighter future.

In response to the escalating chaos, Mary’s Meals recently launched a crisis appeal. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of Scots, donations have already raised enough to provide nearly 900,000 meals for hungry Haitian children.

In the build-up to the World Cup opener, former Scotland international and current Motherwell footballer Stephen O’Donnell – a long-time supporter of Mary’s Meals – is backing the appeal.

Stephen says: “While all eyes will be on the pitch on Sunday, the match is also shining a spotlight on Haiti’s challenges off the pitch.

“The game holds so much excitement for me, my former teammates, the Tartan Army, and all of Scotland, but it gives everyone a chance to reflect on what’s happening in Haiti as well.

“As a father, I can only imagine how it feels to be struggling to feed your children, amid violence and the threat of your loved ones being recruited into gangs. I’m thankful there’s a charity in Scotland helping those in need, and I know the incredible work Mary’s Meals does in turning just one 10 pence coin into a nutritious meal for a child.”

Scottish donations are helping children in Haiti like Billy, who has overcome the loss of his father and his own difficult health issues to thrive in school and become top of his class. He says: “Receiving Mary’s Meals keeps me from being hungry. And it is much easier to follow the teacher and be active in class.”

Calling on people in Edinburgh to consider contributing to Mary’s Meals, Stephen adds: “It’s incredible – but not unexpected – that so many Scots have already responded to Mary’s Meals’ rallying call to reach families suffering in Haiti, and I’d urge anyone who has a spare 10p to follow in their footsteps.

“Although we’ll all be hoping for a Scotland victory this weekend, we can also support Haiti by donating to the appeal and providing a brighter future for Haiti’s next generation. Hopefully we’ll see some of the children fed by Mary’s Meals at a future World Cup too.”

Mary’s Meals UK Media Manager and Scotland fan Gary Armstrong says: “For the past 20 years, Scottish donations to Mary’s Meals have been helping feed children in Haiti. Today, our school feeding programme is more necessary than ever given the brutal violence and daily challenges families and their children are facing.

“We’d like to thank Stephen for his support, and the hundreds of people across the country who have responded to our appeal so far. Scots are known the world over for their friendliness and generosity, which I’m sure we’ll see in the US in the coming weeks. By helping friends in Haiti we haven’t yet met, this kindness has already been shown before a ball has been kicked.”

It costs Mary’s Meals just 10p to provide a child with a nutritious meal in school, or only £19.15 to feed a child for a whole school year. If you can, please donate today: www.marysmeals.org.uk