Some Scots face the prospect of freezing or starving this winter unless action is taken on the cost-of-living crisis, a leading charity has warned. Citizens Advice Scotland said that soaring energy bills are driving “frightening” demand for advice around food insecurity.
CAS has raised concerns about how people will manage this winter when a “toxic cocktail” of soaring energy bills, growing inflation and higher interest rates hit home. The latest CAS quarterly cost-of-living analysis, which looks at the demand for advice, noted “significant growth” for demand for cost-of-living related advice within areas such as utilities and food insecurity.
Derek Mitchell, Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive, said: “More than one in every ten people seeking help with an energy issue also requires help with food insecurity. Let’s be absolutely clear what that means – some people face the prospect of freezing or starving this winter.
“This crisis is affecting everyone, but some people are especially at risk – our data shows higher demand for advice from council tenants, those out of work and those unable to work. That to me suggests broad support alone will not be enough – there needs to be targeted help for the vulnerable.”
Comparing the first quarter of this year demand for cost-of-living advice was up from 26 per cent to 35 per cent, while demand for food insecurity advice was up from 36 per cent to 45 per cent. Meanwhile views of the online advice page “struggling to pay your energy bills” were up 120 per cent and views of the online advice page “Get help with bills” has increased 119 per cent
Mitchell said: What we are seeing is frankly frightening and we are seeing these issues before a toxic cocktail this winter of soaring energy bills, growing inflation and higher interest rates. People are hanging on by their finger tips and it’s the summer – how are they expected to cope when the temperature drops and bills rise?”
The CAS analysis found that council rented tenants and those out of work, or unable to work, are seeking advice related to the cost of living at higher levels than other groups.
Mitchell said: “Citizens Advice Bureau are here for people during this crisis. “We are for everyone regardless of background or circumstance and it’s so important people understand we are here for them with free, confidential and impartial advice. We don’t judge, we just help.”
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