Financial situation ‘getting worse’

More than half of householders in Dundee say they struggle to manage their finances.

Just 46.67% of Dundonians quizzed said they manage their money very well or quite well – the lowest figure in Scotland.

It is in contrast to the national average of 56.2% of Scots overall and neighbours Fife (65%), Angus (57%) and Perth and Kinross (52%).

Dr Tony Cox, of the Scottish Unemployed Worker’s Network, believes Dundee’s position is only going to get worse.

He said: “It is getting harder and harder for people. All the evidence we have is that the situation is getting worse.

“People are really struggling in this city and it’s not down to the nature or character of the people.

“I see no grounds for optimism. Absolutely none.”

Dr Cox believes a move away from investment in the manufacturing industry combined with changes to the benefit system are partly to blame.

He feels Dundonians have been let down consistently by politicians and says, if things do not improve for ordinary people, then Dundee will be gripped by a “humanitarian crisis”.

He said: “It is a crisis we are in, not just in Dundee, but Dundee exemplifies it.

“Dundee has a higher proportion of people who worked in manufacturing than anywhere else in Scotland.

“There are so many people who have a background in manufacturing. That (manufacturing work) has all virtually dried up and there has been nothing come in to replace it.

“That’s the reason we keep getting these figures and the suggestion that Dundee is worse off than other areas.

“We are on the verge of a humanitarian crisis.”

Dr Tony Cox says Dundonians have been let down by politicians.