The UN's Philip Alston will discuss the findings of his UK poverty visit with Scottish civil society representatives

Representatives from Scotland’s third sector are set to quiz an international poverty expert.

Last November, United Nations rapporteur for extreme poverty and human rights Philip Alston revealed the initial findings from a 10 day visit to some of the UK’s poorest areas.

His assertions, including that poor people feel cut off from those in power and that austerity is based on politics rather than savings, led to widespread media coverage and stringent denials from the Westminster government.

A special event next week will give civil society representatives the chance to hear more from Professor Alston on poverty in Scotland, and question him on his visit.

Taking place on Thursday (14 February) the session, which will be hosted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) as part of the Open Government Pioneers Project UK, will reflect on the findings of the initial report.

SCVO chief executive Anna Fowlie said: “Professor Alston’s initial findings rightly attracted a high level of attention, with his study highlighting with great clarity the devastating poverty that millions of people in the UK face. He found that the welfare system is actively compounding or even exacerbating poverty and inequality.

“This special event will give representatives from Scotland’s third sector the chance to hear more about the effects of austerity and ask the burning questions that matter to them and the communities they protect.”

The event will be hosted online and runs from 3.30pm till 4.30pm, with registration open now.