Moray Council targets rural poverty improvements
Moray Council is renewing its efforts to tackle poverty, which is rising in Moray faster than anywhere in Scotland.
Moray is currently ranked 14 out of 32 local authorities in Scotland for poverty levels, with 1 being the highest level. Between 2014 and 2022, Moray saw an increase in children living in poverty, up by 3.2% to 24.1%. Nationally the rise was 2.9%.
Poverty levels are calculated through comparing a series of complex data insights, but a large contributing factor in Moray is the low-wage economy in the region. In turn this means Moray is less resilient to the increases to the cost of living in comparison to other regions.
The average gross full-time hourly pay in Moray in 2023 at £15.94, is significantly less than Scotland at £18.10 and puts Moray 28 out of 32 Scottish Local Authorities (where 1 is highest). Moray, however, bucks the trend for full-time female workers, who earn more per hour (£16.09) than their male counterparts (£15.55).
Calculations based on weekly wage data, for all employed in Moray, shows an average working week of 40.6hrs, compared with the Scottish average of 38.8 hrs a week. Even by working more hours a week, the average full-time weekly pay in Moray is £647.20, significantly less than the National average of £702.80.
Earlier this year, Moray Council updated its Corporate Plan to prioritise tackling poverty and inequality. This followed public consultation feedback that revealed the public also want to see the council focus on reducing child poverty and inequalities in income, health and education.
Work to improve poverty levels in Moray include embedding joint working between services such a child services and transport and housing; further developing wrap around childcare options; continuing to improve attainment in education; delivering more youth work engagement; and maximising income support advice and guidance.
Speaking after the Moray Council Corporate Committee discussion on the issue, committee chair, Cllr Bridget Mustard, said: “Members of the public overwhelmingly told us that tackling poverty and inequality in Moray is what they want to see us prioritise, so we’re doing exactly that.
“But this can’t be tackled by the council alone and we need to maximise opportunities, through existing and new partnerships, to work with businesses, organisations and groups in Moray to reduce the levels of poverty we know exist here.
“Crucially, the Fairer Moray Forum has reconvened this week and will make recommendations to the Community Planning Board on a partnership approach to tackling poverty. I know my colleagues across the chamber, and officers alike, are determined to make an impact on these figures to improve the lives of children, and everyone, in Moray.”