The past year has been dominated by the global Covid-19 pandemic; the full impact of which may not be known for many years.
Lockdown restrictions and the redirection of public and voluntary resources to the emergency are likely to have set back the delivery of our actions to reduce, and go on to eliminate, child poverty in Angus.
Many of our support services were placed under significant pressure and much face-to-face work was not able to take place, being replaced with innovative, digital alternatives. In some instances, it is likely that vulnerable children and families were not able to have the intensity of support that would normally be provided.
Early evidence of the impact of the pandemic is showing an increase in the numbers of families facing financial hardship, many for the first time and with no experience of having to cope in such challenging circumstances. We anticipate that this trend will continue as Government backed Covid-19 support arrangements come to an end.
The pandemic has also, however, brought opportunities and enabled positive change. We have seen inspiring efforts within our communities: neighbours reconnecting with one another; people extending offers of help to those more in need; and people actively supporting local initiatives. There has been evidence of a greater public awareness of poverty and its effects. Many communities are now actively engaged in recovery and renewal, keen to be involved in projects which will deliver sustainable change in the hearts of their neighbourhoods.
A challenge for us and other community leaders is to harness and build upon these positive changes and develop them to get our child poverty work back where it should be with increased vigour, commitment and drive.
This summary report covers the period 1 July 2020 – 31 March 2021 bringing our year 4 report back in line with Scottish Government reporting periods. Despite the challenges of Covid-19, the report details some of the fantastic work that has been done over the past year showing the solid foundations upon which our partnership stands and upon which our future will be built.
Margo Williamson Chief Executive, Angus Council
Grant Archibald Chief Executive, NHS Tayside
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