A Highland Perthshire -based charity has said the UK Government has “missed key routes” to help people through the cost of living crisis now and for the future.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre in Aberfeldy spoke out recently in response to the Spring Statement and the rise in cost of living from April 1.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £6 billion support package last month, but debt centre manager Angela Hanvey believes an increase in benefits support is vital to helping residents in rural areas.
She believes a failure to do so will force many more people on low incomes “into destitution and serious problem debt”.
Debt centre manager Angela Hanvey said: “The Chancellor said in the Spring Statement that he wants to help people with rising costs but the announcements do very little to help those on the lowest incomes.
“While we welcome the change to the national insurance threshold, which will ease some of the pressures on low income families, and an extension to the Household Support Fund, the other announcements made will have little or no impact.
“The Chancellor said this was the best way to help working people through the tax system, but that is just one of the mechanisms the UK Government has available to them.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Chancellor didn’t listen to calls from across the UK asking for benefits to be uprated by seven per cent in April.
“Doing this would have provided targeted support to people here in Highland Perthshire on the lowest incomes who are being hit the hardest by the cost of living crisis.
"The Chancellor has missed an opportunity here to provide a longer-term fix, ensuring the social security system is linked to the real costs people face.
“Unfortunately, there was so much the Chancellor could’ve done but didn’t.
“The announcements ignored people in the toughest situations - people unable to work because of disability or ill-health, people with caring responsibilities and renters.
“We know that people in Aberfeldy and the surrounding area are already struggling, many are having to make impossible choices and go without, not even able to afford the essentials.
“We fully expect without the right type of government support that many more people on low incomes will be forced into destitution and serious problem debt in the months and years to come.”
CAP is a UK charity determined to reduce UK poverty by delivering debt help, money management education, job clubs and life skills groups.
Those struggling with debt and who need help can call CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org
