Greater emphasis needed to tackle Moray's gender pay gap and climate change
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Moray Council needs to put greater emphasis on tackling the gender pay gap and addressing climate change.
These were the topics brought up earlier today as the high-level challenges for the local authority.
A meeting of the full council was told that Moray's gender pay gap is one of the highest in Scotland.
It stands at 22.6% – almost double the national average of 11.5%.
Councillors discussed the wording of a 'vision statement' which, when complete, will outline the local authority's goals for the future.
Shona Morrison (Fochabers/Lhanbryde, SNP) asked for the gender pay gap to be highlighted in the vision statement before it goes out for public consultation.
She said: "Having read through the draft document and the appendices, I can’t see any reference to the gender pay gap in Moray.
"I think it merits a specific mention.
"I would appreciate it highlighted as a particular challenge for Moray."
Meanwhile, cllr Draeyk Van Der Horn (Forres, Green) called for a more ambitious approach to addressing climate and environmental challenges.
He said: "It’s not just for future generations. We’re actually dealing with quite serious issues right now that effect all of us in the moment.
"This statement is going to inform how we shape our public engagement.
"If the environment and climate change aren’t central to our discussions, it will impact how we go forward with that consultation."
Cllr Van Der Horn also asked for efforts to be made to ensure young people get involved with the community engagement.
The current draft version of the statement talks of Moray becoming an area where "people prosper, free from poverty and inequality".
Child poverty in Moray is standing at 21.3% compared to 20.9% nationally.
Since 2001 the area’s population has grown by 10.8%, and is now 96,410. That rise is higher then the national rate of 8.2%
Moray has a larger percentage of people aged 65 and over compared to the Scottish average, at 22.3% and 19.6% respectively.
However that is reversed when it comes to the 16 to 44 age bracket.
While they form 32.7% of the population locally, they are 36.6% nationally.
Moray is also a low-wage economy.
An average worker living in the area can expect to earn £566 a week. But across Scotland that figure is £622.
As part of the consultation an online survey will be made available, with consideration given to setting up a citizens panel as part of the process.
Feedback will be gathered and presented to council later this year or early 2024.
