Representatives from West Cheshire Poverty Truth Commission (WCPTC) have been invited to the Local Government Association’s annual conference in Birmingham to showcase the innovative work it has carried out over the past 18 months.
WCPTC was only the fourth in the country to be set up when it was established, and is the only one to be led and administered by a local authority.
The council’s aim for the WCPTC is to tackle and try to eradicate the root causes of poverty.
The commission differs from the norm in that it ensures that people with first-hand experience are placed centrally then considering how to tackle poverty and inequality.
This approach, the council says, has enabled residents within the borough (now called ‘Community Inspirers’) to fully engage and play an equal part in the decision making process.
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Samantha Dixon explained: “Our work is relevant to all councils wanting to address inequalities and deepen understanding of the emotive and difficult sides of poverty.
“By involving those with lived experience, we can support better decision-making by the leaders across the public sector, voluntary sector and business community; we can greatly improve our relationships with residents – and improve the lives of everyone we represent.
“We want to share our work and success with other local authorities so they can help reduce poverty within their borough, having an impact not only locally but also on a national scale.”
Chair of the WCPTC, Lord Lieutenant David Briggs added: “The impact on our Community Inspirers over the past 18 months has been transformational.
“Their confidence has increased immensely and they have all grown and developed as individuals, with several securing permanent, paid work or voluntary work.”
The Community Inspirers have worked together with relevant organisations to improve service processes, making service websites more accessible and easy to navigate, as well as revising the letters sent to residents to make them more reader-friendly.
The Community Inspirers have also had their voices heard at the House of Commons, when they spoke about their experiences of welfare reform with MPs and suggested possible solutions.
Cheshire West and Chester Council launched the West Cheshire Poverty Truth Commission in February 2017.
The following three themes have been highlighted as its key priorities:
- Mental health – the impact poverty has on an individual’s mental health and vice versa.
- Person centred approach – how do experiences make people feel and what effect do these experiences have on their dignity?
- Benefit systems – supporting people to navigate current systems and as and when they change in the future (eg: introduction of Universal Credit).
The second West Cheshire Poverty Truth Commission is due to launch early 2019.
If you have experienced poverty within the borough and would like to share your story or you are a local leader or influencer who would like to support change, then please get in contact by emailing clare.roberts@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
For more information about the WCPTC, please view the website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/povertytruth
