Scots struggling to pay fuel bills more likely to experience food insecurity, charity warns
dailyrecord.co.ukThere is a "direct link" between Scots struggling to pay fuel bills and rising food insecurity, a leading charity has warned.Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said one in 10 of its clients who sought help over soaring energy payments also ask for help with meals - including food bank referrals.A quarterly report from the charity also found that in one in 10 cases where a client has sought help for debts - such as credit cards or store cards - they would also request help with crisis grants from the Scottish welfare funds.CAS has backed calls for the UK Government to raise all benefits in-line with inflation when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announces his autumn budget on Thursday.David Hilferty, CAS social justice spokesman, encouraged anyone struggling with the cost of living to seek advice sooner rather than later.He said: "Our latest cost of living data confirms a direct link between the energy crisis and food insecurity, and should serve as a reminder to policymakers that this crisis is impacting upon all aspects of household budgets, and leading to impossible and at time heart-breaking decisions for many."What we need to see in the coming weeks is benefits uprated in line with inflation, and more support for advice agencies like CABs who are on the frontline of this crisis and offer the kind of wraparound services that understands that people will need help with multiple problems to get through this crisis. "CAB advisers get real results.
They unlocked £132 million for people last year, with the average financial gain being over £4,200. That can be life saving money for people this winter."However it is concerning that we see that one in 10 non-priority debt cases also require crisis grant support.
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