THE UK Government should pause benefits sanctions until the cost-of-living crisis has been resolved, Citizens Advice Scotland has said.
Advice from the charity on sanctions to Universal Credit rose by 53% in 2021-22, their report, "The Perfect Storm" published on Thursday said.
With inflation rising and impacting on the cost of goods, Citizens Advice said a pause on sanctions – as was seen in the early days of the pandemic – would help people “keep their heads above water”.
“People cannot afford to lose their income for the length of a sanction and the stress of managing during the cost-of-living crisis is only compounded by the fear that a disconnected phone or a lack of bus money might lead to a dramatic loss of income,” the report said.
“Suspending the use of sanctions would give people the peace of mind to keep their heads above water.”
David Scott, the social justice spokesman at Citizens Advice Scotland, said: “Everybody is feeling the squeeze at the moment, with high fuel bills and other inflationary costs, while incomes stagnate.
“But those who rely on support from Universal Credit are amongst the most vulnerable, and that’s why we wanted to focus on them in this report.”
She added: “With food prices still rising and the energy price cap set to increase again in October, the cost-of-living crisis will be with us for many more months.
“But for those who fall into debt and hardship during this time, the effect can be much more long-lasting.
“Low social security payments place people at risk of housing arrears and the devastating effects of homelessness, not to mention the health impacts of starvation, poor or insufficient diets, and cold, unheated homes.
“The marks of that hardship can hold people back for years.
“We need to see investment in social security, to reach adequate levels to support people in need and offer them the chance to live with dignity. This report shows that the current system is failing to do that.”
Commenting on the report findings, Elena Whitham SNP MSP said:
“It is utterly shameful to see this increase in foodbank use in a place as wealthy as the UK. Yet, sadly, it’s not surprising that every single Tory leadership candidate is silent on the matter of child poverty and the cost of living crisis - instead fighting to cut taxes for the rich and cut public spending. “The SNP Scottish Government is doing all it can with the powers at its disposal to support households through these tough times, with game-changing policies like the Scottish Child Payment, which research shows are making a real difference to those struggling. “The last thing Scotland needs is a different Prime Minister. We need a different future with independence – with the full welfare and tax powers needed to build a fairer, wealthier and happier country.”
Elsewhere, the report revealed that advice given on food banks has grown by almost a third (31%) since September 2021.
