The stark figures behind the cost of living crisis in West Lothian were revealed as rent arrears reached almost £1 million in two areas alone.
Across the county rent arrears are just shy of £5 million while arrears in Whitburn and Blackburn have surged by more than £110,000 since July.
Graeme McKee, a housing manager, said the overall increased arrears is a result of Universal Credit being introduced in West Lothian from May 2018, along with other welfare benefit reforms and the current economic climate.
