Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has said that ‘community empowerment’ must be at the centre of Scotland’s economics as MSPs discuss the transition to a wellbeing economy.
During a debate in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Roddick expressed that the UK’s trickle-down economic framework and failure to redistribute wealth was not working for communities in the Highlands & Islands and was leading to greater inequality.
Ms Roddick emphasised the need to empower communities by redirecting wealth, control, and the benefits of local resources and efforts back into the local economy.
She said:
“Crisis like the coronavirus pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis have really demonstrated the harsh inequalities in our society, but they have also shown just how resilient our communities are.
“I was privileged to be a part of the efforts of Inverness Foodstuff in delivering hot meals to those in need during the pandemic and I have been hearted to see so many community hubs and warm spaces pop up across the Highlands & Islands during this cost-of-living crisis.
“Supporting your community, volunteering, and looking out for your neighbours, is so embedded in the lives of so many of my constituents, but our communities need greater empowerment and greater support to tackle inequalities.
“Because trickle-down economics is not working for the people of the highlands.
“If you’re coming to me with policy, don’t talk to me about GDP, don’t talk to me about private growth, I want to know that you are going to end homelessness, tackle child poverty, and uphold basic human rights for everyone – the only party I see doing that unequivocally is the SNP.”
Emma Roddick MSP 