A prominent Monmouthshire councillor is taking the fight to poverty and inequality, in a county she said was riven with social issues despite its ‘affluent’ status.

Councillor Sara Jones, a Conservative, and cabinet member for social justice, is spearheading a network of local organisations and charities, ahead of drafting the Monmouthshire Anti-Poverty Plan. ??The collective includes staff from Jobcentre Plus, local food banks, Monmouthshire Flying Start, and the council’s housing team. Research centres on ‘priority groups’, including childhood and early years, school-age and young people, adults both in and out of work, and older people.

Councillor Jones said the group will study how inequality is affecting local communities, and how this information can contribute to proposing solutions as part of MCC’s social justice strategy.

“Monmouthshire is perceived as an affluent county, but poverty and inequality is evident in many of our communities,” said Cllr Jones. “Many factors contribute, and the rurality of the county is just one issue which can lead to isolation for people of all ages. 

“I urge local organisations and charities to come along to the session, information from those working with our residents is essential to making a difference for our future generations.”

A drop-in session takes place on Friday, November 9 between 9.30am – 3.30pm at County Hall, Usk. Volunteers, organisations and charities are invited to come along and talk to about poverty and the fight against it.

 

The group welcomes feedback via email too. Please contact Lyn Webber, Families First Coordinator:  [email protected].