The scourge of poverty has reached unacceptable levels in Fife and people are suffering.
That is the stark view of Fife Council leader David Ross, who said the local authority cannot tackle the problem alone.
A new organisation has now been set up with a mission to force change and make improvements.
The Fairer Fife Commission, which brings together senior figures from across the public, private and voluntary sectors, is urging anyone with an interest to have their say on how poverty could be alleviated.
Chairman Martyn Evans, who is chief executive of the Carnegie UK Trust, wants to hear from anyone with experience of eliminating poverty in Fife to help form the commission’s work.
“The views and evidence we receive will be analysed and fed into our work programme,” he said.
“Our final findings and recommendations will also take account of a range of other factors, including any other available information, research and evidence.”
David Ross, who called for the commission to be established last year in a bid to create a fairer Fife, said it would give an independent and objective view of what more could be done.
“Poverty is a blight on our society and something we should be ashamed of in a modern developed economy.
“There’s a limit to what the council can do on its own, but we need to know we are doing all we can and understand what other agencies and levels of government should be doing to tackle poverty.
“It’s important that people help the commission paint a picture of what’s happening right now so that we can try to improve for the future.
“The commission will be looking across Scotland for evidence of what is working and what is not.”
He added: “Poverty in our society is at unacceptable levels and despite the work we’re doing with our partners to create jobs, attract inward investment and support people through welfare reforms, people are still suffering.”
The commission is holding a number of meetings between now and November.
For more information on how to have a say, go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/fairerfife.