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ACHA Supports “Challenge Poverty Week”

Challenge Poverty Week (www.challengepoverty.net.) aims to highlight the growing problem of poverty in Scotland; which is increasing for the first time in two decades. Poverty restricts the choices people can make e.g. is heating their home or having enough to eat more important?

Alastair MacGregor, Chief Executive, Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) commented

“Poverty is a real issue for many people in Argyll and Bute. ACHA is committed, through our welfare rights service, and our investment programme in our homes to playing our part in tackling it.”

ACHA are committed to providing quality, affordable housing across Argyll and Bute. Since 2017 we have built 59 new homes with a further 65 due for completion this year. Our rent is below the Scottish average for Registered Social Landlords.

Benefits play a key role in loosening the grip of poverty. Our Welfare Rights Service helps people understand and apply for benefits they’re entitled to. Over the last two years we have boosted tenants’ income by around £1.5 million. Call 0800 028 2755 to find out more about this service.

In Argyll and Bute 45% of households live in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of their income on heating), this is significantly higher than the Scottish average of 25%. ACHA are committed to addressing this and are delighted to receive £5.1 million from the Warm Homes Fund to invest in fuel efficiency measures.

Scottish people believe in justice and compassion; but there are around a million people in Scotland whose lives are restricted by poverty. We have a moral responsibility to work together to address poverty.