Our poorest are facing ‘unprecedented’ stress
The pressure for those on the breadline in Stirling has been described as “unprecedented” as the cost of living continues to rocket.
Existing concerns regarding the rapid rise in inflation and an upcoming hike in National Insurance have been joined by rocketing prices, with many people across the region bearing the brunt of the increases.
A fresh price hike for fuel yesterday saw diesel jump to an average price of £1.76 per litre on Tuesday, with petrol also rising to £1.65 per litre, while an energy price hike will see a hike of almost £700 come into effect from the start of April.
Stirling Citizens’ Advice Bureau is among the local organisations aiming to support those facing tough choices in the community.
CEO Craig Anderson told the Observer: “The cost of living currently is unprecedented in recent history, with an eight per cent rise in inflation, fuel up by 51 per cent and rises in food costs.
“All of that creates a perfect storm in terms of the socioeconomic and psychological impact on people and what we’ve seen is that the cost of living rises have exacerbated an already dire situation for a lot of people.
“Every other call we’re dealing with is people saying they have no money, no food, no electricity or gas.
“We’re certainly doing our best to mitigate a lot of these impacts and offer crisis intervention, it’s all about keeping the wolf from the door.
“The situation currently is the starkest it’s been in my time here and while the demand has been high during the pandemic, since the energy markets have collapsed, we’ve seen a three-fold increase in enquiries surrounding fuel poverty.
“These enquiries normally make up about ten per cent of those we get in a year but now it’s about a third and the stark reality is that for a lot of people right now, there is a choice between heating and eating.”
The twin impacts of rising fuel costs and food prices rising are set to hit those struggling in rural communities particularly hard.
But Craig is also keen to share the positive message of support available in Stirling across various sectors for those unsure about their financial future.
“The issue of rural food poverty has increased exponentially over the last six months or so because if you live in a rural community and everything has to be shipped there, then the cost of fuel is pushing up the cost of taking things there,” he added.
“Food prices are rising significantly and wages and benefits aren’t keeping tabs with inflation to mitigate that. The posiive message is to seek advice from the agencies we have here in Stirling, whether that’s ourselves, the council or money advice services, who are trying to help people on lower incomes.
“Don’t be backwards in coming forwards and reach out to these agencies because we can look to provide different types of crisis intervention support for people who are struggling.”
Every other call we’re dealing with is people saying they have no money, no food, no electricity or gas ... it’s the starkest it’s been in my time here. Craig Anderson (CAB)