A BARRHEAD charity is calling for more to be done to protect the area’s poorest residents during the coronavirus crisis.

Voluntary Action East Renfrewshire (VAER) spoke out as a new report suggested those living in poverty are more likely to die of Covid-19.

Latest figures show the number of coronavirus deaths across Scotland is highest in deprived neighbourhoods, where more people have other health issues.

Although East Renfrewshire is one of the least deprived council areas in Scotland, parts of Barrhead have been identified as ‘poverty hotspots.’

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A spokesperson for VAER told the Barrhead News there is a “well-established consensus” linking higher levels of deprivation with added health issues.

“VAER have been advocates for increased levels of support for the most vulnerable members of our communities,” said the spokesperson. “This support should be community-led, with involvement and participation at every level.

“More resources alone is not the answer but were these resources should be placed. Without direct involvement from those most in need, we will continue to make the same errors in judgement which have perpetuated our most deprived areas.

“The current pandemic is a hugely testing time for all of us,” said the spokesperson. “The community hub, set-up in our Barrhead offices in partnership with public and third sector organisations, has witnessed a fantastic community response to the lockdown conditions.

“East Renfrewshire communities have responded with care and compassion to support those who are in greatest need. We hope that the goodwill which has been engendered will continue when the restrictions are eased back.”

Councillor Angela Convery, who represents Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor, is worried about residents not turning to the NHS for help with other health concerns, such as cancer or a heart condition.

She added: “There are more health issues in areas of deprivation, so maybe people there aren’t in the best place to fight this virus if they do catch it.”

Latest figures show the Covid-19 death rate in East Renfrewshire is five per 10,000 residents.

Barrhead’s MSP Tom Arthur said: “A great deal of work has been done by the Scottish Government to close the poverty gap through educational attainment and investing in communities.

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“The Tory cuts at Westminster however has systematically dismantled the safety net of the welfare state and pushed people into hardship - leaving millions of people without the support they need and making this crisis worse than it would have been otherwise.

“While key powers over social security and the economy remain in Westminster’s control, it’s vital the UK government fixes the serious gaps in financial support, strengthens welfare protections and introduces a Universal Basic Income for everyone - so no one is left behind.

“We must also think about the kind of country we want to build after this crisis - and the powers and fundamental reforms that are needed to make Scotland’s future fairer and more equal.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman added that it is committed to tackling poverty and inequalities, particularly with increased financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, and is providing “a range of benefits” for people on low incomes and those who are struggling the most, which provide a higher level of support than the equivalent DWP benefits, and to a wider range of people.