Two political hopefuls have thrown their weight behind Renfrewshire residents who have been heavily impacted during the cost of living crisis.
We told last week how desperate residents had told how they were cutting back on using domestic energy and wearing dressing gowns over their clothes to save on heating after the cost of gas and electricity rocketed by 54 per cent.
It also comes as inflation hits a record high and food and fuel prices soar.
Community leader Terry McTernan also told how he fears the cost of living crisis presents a “worse risk to public health in Renfrewshire than the coronavirus pandemic.”
Now Labour candidates for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, Gillian Graham and Chris Gilmour have thrown their weight behind the campaign to support Renfrewshire residents impacted by the rising cost of living.
Gilliam Graham and Chris Gilmour have urged council chiefs in Renfrewshire to do more to “mitigate the worst effects of the crisis”.
The pair will stand for election in the council polls on May 5.
Former local government officer Gillian said: “This is the worst cost of living crisis in our lifetime with food and energy bills soaring. These stretch purse strings to the limit.
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“Both the UK and Scottish governments need to take immediate action to address people’s real concerns, however we believe that Renfrewshire Council can and should do much more to help provide some financial respite for local people.”
Added Chris: “Talking to residents and community groups we know that the costs to hire community halls are prohibitive, as are the charges for swimming pools and sports centres operated by One Ren on behalf of the Council. Hundreds of thousands of pounds of council tax payers money was spent on a rebranding of One Ren, this would have been much better spent reducing costs for use of sports centres and pools. The current charges should be frozen for two years.”
They also told how residents had shared concerns over the cost of requesting special uplifts for household goods and waste.
Gillian commented: “Slashing these would have a beneficial effect financially for thousands of households and would help to discourage fly tipping which is an increasing problem in our area.
“These measures added to our previous commitment to support families by increasing the school clothing grant, fighting for free school meals for all children, providing more affordable child care and continued free parking in our town centres, will provide much needed help.”
Added Chris: “The recent council budget was based on longer term investment and growth. In normal times this would be welcomed however we are not living in normal times and the current unprecedented financial challenge cannot be ignored. Gain in the long term is important but easing the pain for residents now and in the short term is a responsibility the council needs to recognise and act upon.
“Any plan to help people cope with the present crisis will require all those elected to the new council to stand up for Renfrewshire and secure the necessary funding from the Scottish and Westminster Governments to provide this much needed help.”
West of Scotland Labour MSP Neil Bibby also told how time spent on the campaign trail ahead of the local government election had revealed that the cost of living is a major concern for Renfrewshire residents, earlier telling the Express: “people are really struggling. People often tell me about the choice they face between heating and eating.
“That is not a cliché. It is the harsh reality of life for a growing number of local families.”
Help and advice is available via Renfrewshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau by logging on at: https://www.renfrewshirecab.org.uk/ or by calling 0141 889 2121 or at the council’s Advice Works website at: https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/3525/Advice-Works
Renfrewshire Council was contacted for comment.
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