Efforts to Fight Poverty in Dundee

Ongoing efforts to combat poverty in Dundee will be outlined to councillors on Monday, April 21.

Two items on the agenda of the City Governance Committee focus on work which is helping city individuals and families who are at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis.

In the first, the Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel is asking for support in implementing the recommendations from its 2025 report.

The panel is the main mechanism by which the Council and the Dundee Partnership involve those with lived experience of poverty and inequality in work to tackle the causes and consequences of deprivation.

The work of the panel has been recognised by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, with researchers praising its support for people who often go unheard.

Members of the panel play a significant role in shaping policies and practice across city partners and progress is included in the annual Fairness and Child Poverty report.

The latest work carried out by the panel is prioritising efforts around:

• Mental Health and Isolation  

• Support to Third Sector Projects who are offering crisis support to tackle poverty

• Fair Housing

Meanwhile, a separate report to the committee will ask for approval to use funds identified in this year’s budget-setting process to provide grants for food larders and cafes operating from council-owned properties.

The money would cover the cost of concessionary rental payments over the next year for third sector organisations fighting food poverty.            

Six properties would be covered, which are occupied by both the Strathmartine Community Larder and the Lochee Community Larder and Cafe.

Activities that are delivered include a food larder, community shop, community shed, and food larder & cafe.

City council leader Mark Flynn, who is also co-chair of the Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel, said: “Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we can listen closely to those who know the most about poverty in our city.

“I am delighted to play a part in the leadership panel and give a voice to those whose concerns often go unnoticed.

“Through our high-level City and Council plans, there is much work ongoing to tackle poverty at all levels to try to make the city a better place for everyone.

“However, we must never forget the contribution that those with lived experience can make.

“I am also pleased to see that third sector organisations could receive grants to pay their rent following the recent budget-setting exercise.

“It is important that these groups can maximise the money that they can spend to help the local communities directly.”

Co-chair of Dundee Fairness Leadership Panel, Andrew Lorimer added: “The Panel has been inspired by the care and commitment shown by groups and services who are supporting people who are struggling against poverty.  

“We have produced a set of important recommendations and we are now calling on everyone in Dundee to help us put them into action.”