Tackling the causes of poverty in York

This year, as part of our work to reduce inequalities through social action, we supported the launch of the York Poverty Truth Commission.

A Poverty Truth Commission begins by putting those with direct experience of poverty first, and asking them to share their knowledge about what’s truly needed to make lasting change. Through the combined wisdom and knowledge of people who have lived experience of poverty and city leaders, the York Poverty Truth Commission aims to facilitate positive change across our city.

During 2022-23 we worked with communities across York to identify 9 Community Commissioners; people who have direct experience of poverty who want to share their stories. We worked with the Community Commissioners to officially launch the York Poverty Truth Commission on 9 March 2023 where they shared their lived experience of poverty in York in the form of presentations, art and poetry to over 70 attendees.

The launch marked the move into phase two of the commission where Community Commissioners meet with Civic Commissioners, decision makers in York, to explore the issues the commission wants to address.