New Start Highland Chief Executive Launches Report from Poverty and Equality Commission

James Dunbar, New Start Highland's chief executive, has played a vital role in the creation of a report into poverty and inequality in the Highlands. 

The independent Highland Poverty and Equality Commission’s report, Essential Elements, follows nine months of extensive engagement across the region.

The commission, which was co-chaired by Maggie Cunningham and Jim McCormick, delivered a clear, core message: Poverty in the Highlands is real, damaging and costly, but it is not inevitable.

Their collective call to action is aimed at government, the council and community planning partners from across the third sector.

In noting the work and the final report from the commission, council members have agreed to a workshop in August to discuss in more detail the rationale behind the calls for action and explore potential solutions.

A further report setting out the implications and early actions for implementation will be considered at the next meeting of the council.

James Dunbar, chief executive of New Start Highland, and commission member, said: “I welcome the publication of this report and the focus it brings tackling poverty and inequality across the Highlands.

“It was important for New Start Highland to contribute to the Commission’s work, sharing the experience, evidence and voices of people we support every day to help shape its recommendations.

“The report reflects the need for a collective approach between communities, organisations and public bodies working together to create meaningful change. However, the real measure of its success will be the action that follows.

“I look forward to working with partners to turn these recommendations into practical steps that create positive change for individuals and families facing poverty.”