Action needed to protect those on lowest incomes, charities warn

The Scottish Government needs to take “dramatic action” to protect families on the lowest incomes from the cost-of-living emergency, charities have said.

Several charities issued a letter to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, calling for immediate cash support to those on the lowest incomes.

Trussell Trust Scotland, Save the Children Scotland, the Poverty Alliance, CPAG in Scotland, IPPR Scotland, the Robertson Trust, One Parent Families Scotland, Energy Action Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations are some of the charities involved.

It comes after the UK Government offered a £1,200 bundle of support for those toiling during the surging inflation.

The letter has said that this is “hopelessly insufficient” as it revealed that households today need to spend £5.40 a day to achieve the same level of comfort they could achieve for £2.80 in October 2020.

Charities have now called on the Scottish Government to introduce further one of payments to families that are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment and Council Tax Reduction.

They have also called for the doubling of the Child Winter Heating Assistance.

Chris Birt, associate director for Scotland at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, says: “Families in Scotland are facing a crisis in being able to keep food on the table and keep their houses warm this coming winter.

“Even with the significant support announced by the UK Government, families are still facing a shortfall which they won’t be able to meet from their already overstretched budgets.

“Acting now and providing immediate cash support would significantly ease the pressures which households face over the winter.

“The costs to the Scottish Government are not insignificant, but the immense pressures facing families in Scotland are such that dramatic action is needed. “