The fight to work towards tackling the issue of poverty in the borough has been given a huge boost by Trafford Council.
The Council has unanimously voted to support the four recommendations of the Poverty Truth Commission’s final report.
They are to continue to collaborate and work with partners across Trafford to:
- Improve how Trafford residents access services
- Continue to use the voice of people with lived experience in the development of policy and services in Trafford.
- Make public transport truly accessible for everyone.
- Tackle mental health and isolation
The Trafford Poverty Truth Commission (PTC), which was launched last year by Trafford Council, Trafford Housing Trust and its partners, met at Stretford Public Hall last week to share the recommendations which have now been approved by the Council.
The Council will continue to work with the Commission - made up of 15 Trafford residents with lived experience of poverty - and 18 Civic Commissioners from private, public and voluntary sectors to support the delivery of the recommendations. The strategy fully supports the Council’s Corporate priority to support people out of poverty.
Cllr Jo Harding, Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships, raised the motion at the meeting of the Council. She said: “I do believe unbreakable friendship and relationships have been forged as a result of this Commission. And in their words ‘poverty does not define us but it is one thing we share.’ The recommendations are laid out in the report and at the launch last week I gave my firm commitment that we would work towards the recommendation of the commission.
“The one that speak loudest to me is ‘nothing about me, without me.’ I promise you all on the Poverty Truth Commission that you did not share your stories for them to remain in a glossy report.”
Cllr Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “I was privileged to be one of the Civic Commissioners and hand on heart believe it was one of the most meaningful projects I have ever been involved in. I would like to thank everyone involved particularly the Community Commissioners who are made up of residents across the borough who shared their personal stories.”
Posted on Thursday 16th March 2023