Scotland-based includem has set out a number of asks ahead of May's local council vote.

Candidates and parties running in next month’s Scottish local elections have been urged to listen to the voices of children, young people and families if elected to council. 

Scottish charity includem unveiled its manifesto ahead of May’s council elections this week, with calls for children to be put first. 

The manifesto is based on – and features – the voices of children, young people and families supported by the charity across Scotland as they call on councils to address needs now.

The document sets out the ABCs of ‘Needs Now’ - Access to support, the basics and connections in communities. 

These, includem say, are vital for neighbourhoods across Scotland as they tackle the recent cost of living crisis and look to address the endemic poverty and destitution across the country.

Martin Dorchester, chief executive of includem, said: “As people across Scotland vote to elect their next councils on the 5th of May, it is vital that the voices of children, young people and families are heard to address the ABCs of Needs Now in their local areas.

“With the recent rise in the cost of living and increase in poverty across Scotland, for the families we support and more, it is essential that councils come together with their communities to confront these challenges and to secure and protect the wellbeing of those they represent.”

As part of the Manifesto’s research, includem facilitated conversations with children, young people and families they support who shared their experiences with the charity. This included activities that explored the concept of a 20-minute neighbourhood. This is part of the charity’s work to #KeepThePromise and embed participation into the way the charity works.

Mr Dorchester added: “We challenge all council candidates and parties to join our conversation and tell the children, young people and families we support how they will address the ABCs of Needs Now.

“We hope this is the beginning of a larger conversation with those we support and would encourage everyone to join our conversation and tell us what #NeedsNow means to them through our social media channels.”