Integrating the poverty agenda into the SOA A Rural Perspective Annette Johnston

Aberdeenshire Area 6 th largest local authority area by population and area covered Population – 239,260 6,313 sq km or 2,437 square miles

Aberdeenshire Profile Unemployment rate 1.4% which has increased by 35% since December % are living in rural Aberdeenshire. 8 Data Zones in the bottom 20%, most of the areas of deprivation are found in the north of Aberdeenshire. 1 data Zone is ranked the 3 rd least deprived in Scotland. Increase in population and age High number of working poor especially women and young people. Increase population of Migrant Workers

Rural Aberdeenshire – settlements less than 5000 of population Decrease in in the number of rural facilities by 69% Shops fall of 24% Post Offices fall of 40% Banks fall of 69% 57% linked to Broadband Lack of affordable housing 71% owner occupied Lack of Childcare facilities Lack of accessible, affordable transport 154,243 people live in rural areas.

Impact of Fairer Scotland Fund Budget Allocation - £791,000 for 08/09 £1.038m for 09/10 and £1.286m 10/11 50% funding targeted at the north of Aberdeenshire. 2 main priorities – Health & Employability Funding being used to commission services to fill the gaps in services and opportunities. 15 project funded with 10 being lead through the voluntary sector. Most of the targets are in the SOA

What difference have we made? Funding has supported local groups, organisations, services and community volunteers to participate in opportunities and develop services. New opportunities developed for young people 97% young people are into positive destinations The increase in volunteering opportunities through a partnership approach have gained self worth, a sense of belonging and have access to a reference. Increase in advice and information services for migrant workers which has resulted in a 179 participants using this service in 3 months. Increase the up take of learning opportunities Local communities and people see themselves as part of the solution not the problem. 153 parents supported into employment

Challenges for Aberdeenshire To build on the partnership working and collectively demonstrate impact. To ensuring that services, opportunities, information and advice are accessible and relevant to the local communities. Continue to work on the health, poverty, regeneration and skills agenda, using an outcomes focus approach. Big agenda small resource To ensure Communities are equal partners,building an empowerment model, not a popular development Community Planning V Council ownership

Summary We need to put individuals and communities at the centre of any change or intervention Aberdeenshire has no history of Social Inclusion Partnership therefore progress has been slow to tackle this agenda We need to make a culture change to poverty and Inequalities and concentrate effort on projects where positive change will be made

Group Task What are the opportunities and challenges regarding the Single Outcome Agreement? What action can be take at a local and national level to ensure opportunities and services continue to be delivered and developed? Please discuss and feedback – Time 40mins