Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth has called for action on the cost-of-living crisis, after recent polling showed Glenrothes residents are extremely concerned about the impacts of this current crisis.
Research from 38 Degrees showed that in 66% of constituents in the Glenrothes UK Parliament constituency feared they wouldn’t be able to afford their energy bills next year.
Furthermore, 26% feared that they would suffer homelessness within one year and 34% worried that they would have to resort to food banks within a year.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:
“This recent research lays bare the fact that families within my constituency are seriously worried about the cost of living crisis.
“The Scottish Government is doing what it can with a limited budget – increasing and expanding the Scottish Child Payment, freezing rents and rail fares, and the new Winter Heating Payment allowance which guarantees an annual payment to 400,000 low income households.
“But the Scottish Government’s limited powers and budget can only stretch so far in these challenging times.
“The new Prime Minister and the UK Government need to get a grip on this crisis and reassure my constituents who have concerns about heating their homes this winter.
“The UK Government need to commit to uprating benefits in line with inflation, keeping the pensions triple-lock in place and no return to austerity.
“The sooner that Scotland does not need to rely on Westminster for this vital assistance, the better.”
Also commenting, David Redpath, CEO of local charity Citizens Advice and Rights Fife advised:
“With the cost of living increasing as it is, we are seeing increased demand on an already stretched service, particularly around food insecurity. Our clients have a very real and genuine fear on their ability to manage their household finances and sustain their homes. Coupled with the ongoing economic impact of Covid, many are finding it difficult to see any light at the end of the tunnel”.
ENDS
