In a Platform piece for The Scotsman, Head of Oxfam Scotland Judith Robertson argues for a Scottish Poverty Commissioner. Poverty is a creation of society and - if we work together and have the will - we have ample resources to end it. That is especially true in rich, modern Scotland. But research published this week shows that will is lacking among many politicians. The Institute for Fiscal Studies says an extra 1.1...

Primary school children from East Lothian today challenged the Chancellor to keep the UK's promises on aid in this year's budget. The eight children from Wallyford Primary School, dressed in their 'Chancellor' shirts and ties, marched with their red Budget sandwich boxes to the Scotland Office to show that one of the boxes was empty, highlighting that one in eight people in the world still go hungry. The stunt -...

Oxfam Scotland volunteer political activism co-ordinator Meray Diner (pictured right with MPs William Bain and Ann McKechin MP) took part in the IF Camapaign Lunch and Lobby last week. Here are her thoughts on how it went, and how important it is to get politicians to support  Enough Food For Everyone IF.   The first Scottish event for the IF campaign after its launch took place in Glasgow last week. ...

Oxfam Scotland has responded to the Prime Minsiter's comments on aid and the military. Head of Oxfam Scotland, Judith Robertson, said: "We are deeply concerned at Prime Minister David Cameron's suggestion that some of the UK's aid budget could be spent on military activities. "This is a crucial time for our commitment to the world's poorest people. Tonight, one in 8 people will go to bed hungry. That's...

A new study of poverty and social exclusion in Scotland highlights a huge rise in unemployment for under-25s, and stark and growing health inequalities. Oxfam Scotland says it shows a failure on the part of politicians and policy-makers and the need for a new kind of economy. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland 2013, used the latest Government data, to look...

In response to the Government's publication of the welfare benefits uprating bill today, Head of Oxfam Scotland Judith Robertson said: "This bill will effectively mean a permanent reduction of benefits, which could be devastating at a time when a proper safety net is desperately needed by millions of the most vulnerable people in Britain. "Benefits are already at their lowest levels relative to average incomes since...

Guest Blog By Trevor Rigg, Volunteer Morningside Shop Edinburgh Volunteering at an Oxfam shop can sometimes seem somewhat distant to the organisation's life-changing work around the world - so it's great to find out how it all connects together. Recently, fifty volunteers, donors and supporters gathered to learn more about Oxfam and meet like-minded people during the annual Oxfam Live! Event in Edinburgh, hosted by Judith...

Oxfam Scotland says increased people power in Scotland should be used to tackle poverty and promote real community-led economic development, tackling inequality and providing sustainable livelihoods for everyone in Scotland. The charity has just submitted its response to the Scottish Government's Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill. It is calling for a fundamental redistribution of power in Scotland through meaningful...

The Scottish Finance Secretary John Swinney has vowed to promote the Robin Hood Tax and has sharply criticised the UK Government over the issue. ...

A new report by Oxfam published today (Thu 14 June) highlights the "perfect storm" facing the poorest people in the UK.  ...