Poverty Debate

The CSJ is recruiting an Office Administrator, £20,000 per annum. Closing date for applications is Friday 23 October 2009, 12 noon. For details visit www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk/jobs

The Tories are progressive on poverty - Guardian 13/8/09

Harry Phibbs looks at the party's nobler motives are at last being recognised. The article looks at factors that have shaped the policy, including the CSJ and areas which the Conservative Party see as core to fighting poverty. 

To read the article in full, click here

Teenage Tragedies Cast Shadow as Newquay's Drink Culture Takes Toll - Guardian 12/7/09

After two deaths in a fortnight, residents want to reclaim the Cornish town from visiting hordes, reports Anushka Asthana. Teenagers not realising the risk of cliff edges and unpredictable tides are flocking to the popular holiday destination. Police say 3,000 16-18 year olds arrive in the town during the first three weeks of July.

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The CSJ Awards 2009 took place last night in central London. £70,000 in cash prizes were handed out to poverty fighting groups.

Maxie Richards, pictured, won the Life-time Achievement Award for her work in restoring drug addicts to substance-abuse-free lives. The Award was selected and presented by Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP.

View photos here
www.csjawards.org

Worldwide production of heroin and cocaine falling, says UN drug chief – Guardian 24/6/09

The UN is calling for the treatment of drug problems as an illness, not a crime. Antonio Maria Costa, director of the UNODC, claims that "People who take drugs need medical help, not criminal retribution." The continuing challenge of monitoring and addressing the problems of drug production needs to focus on traffickers.

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This week, the Scottish Government published their strategy for tackling alcohol abuse. Central to this is the proposal to establish a minimum price per unit of alcohol. This would be accompanied by a ban on ‘irresponsible promotions’ and legislating for a Social Responsibility Fee.

Such pro-activity should be commended. Addiction – both drug and alcohol – is a key driver of poverty. It is also a key driver of crime, violence and anti-social behaviour. Directly and indirectly, it ruins lives, families and communities.