|PIC1|A senior Government minister has commended faith groups for their work to end poverty in their local communities.

Labour’s Vice-Chair for Faith Groups, Stephen Timms, said faith was the driving force behind much of the work to tackle poverty at the local level.

He assured that the Government recognised the “impressive” work of faith groups to end poverty.

“Faith is the motivation behind of a lot of impressive work in our communities and I'm pleased the government is recognising this.

“Faith not only inspires individuals to help those in need but provides a resource to help communities respond to challenges.

Mr Timms was speaking ahead of a visit to the offices of Faith in Community Scotland, an organisation which supports local faith groups in their efforts to eradicate poverty in Glasgow.

He is making the visit on his way to St Andrews for the meeting of the G20 finance ministers.

“I'm grateful for the service of Faith in Community Scotland and congratulate them on the work they are doing,” he added.

The Chief Executive of Faith in Community Scotland, the Rev Dr Martin Johnstone, called on the minister to listen to the voices of those struggling to live in poverty in 21st century Scotland.

“Poverty and inequality ruin people’s lives,” said Dr Johnstone. “At Faith in Community Scotland people from different faiths and cultures work together to reduce poverty and bring real change to the communities in which they live and work.

“At the heart of our work lies the belief that people who struggle against poverty must be part of the solution not constantly treated as part of the problem.”