Budget is ‘little’ help for needy

A Stirling charity fears 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 says said Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring statement last week did“very little”to help those on the lowest incomes despite him saying he wanted to help people with rising costs.

Debt Centre manager Fiona Welsh said:“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 Stirling 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.

“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 Stirling 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.”

The charity, however, is continuing to encourage people who are struggling with debt and need help to get in touch with them.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity determined to reduce poverty by delivering debt help, money management education, job clubs and life skills groups.

Contact CAP on 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org.