holyrood hopes; Act now to end poverty

Eradication of poverty must be the top priority for the new Scottish parliament. If it does nothing else but end social exclusion, then as far as I am concerned, it will have been a success.

Scottish people traditionally abhor inequality, yet our country has borne the brunt of harsh policies and failed economic strategies which have created today's situation where thousands of Scottish people live below the poverty line.

Homelessness in Glasgow is becoming worse, for example, despite the government's determination to find solutions. Millions have been spent on some of Scotland's economic black spots and yet poverty and long-term unemployment still exist. So, what do we do? The Parliament will have to stop "owning" the problem of poverty, and excluding everyone from playing a part. It needs to foster an atmosphere where social entrepreneurs are encouraged and supported and those in poverty can change their circumstances by themselves. For its part, the Parliament can look at eliminating bureaucracy and jargon by creating a dedicated, high profile department to tackle poverty which brings in all policy elements including tax, social security, housing, employment and criminal justice. This department will need to be open, interactive and supportive of practical action. We need to create an open society and a Scottish Parliament which can bring about the conditions for people to build this open society which is so in keeping with Scottish community-based instincts. If the Parliament can find the right balance between intervention and non-intervention, helping genuine community-based solutions to come to the fore, then all my expectations will be fulfilled.

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