Single mum struggling to get by admits ‘it can be overwhelming’

Glenrothes single parent Kerrie Friel has spoken of the difficulties of being forced to give up work and relying on “frozen” social security benefits.

Kerrie said: “I am a lone parent to four children – three daughters and one son – and my son is on the autistic spectrum.

“Before we knew he had this condition, and the impact it would have on all our lives, I had worked for over 20 years, but soon found that working and raising four children alone – including one with additional needs – was extremely difficult.

“There are times when I genuinely feel trapped. All lone parents and all carers face extra stress, and at times it can be overwhelming.

“There are times I’ve really struggled to pay my mortgage, and I worry I might lose my house. No one wants to live in poverty.

“One day you can be in a situation where everything is OK and then, due to a number of different circumstances, it could all change. You just never know when it could happen to you.”

Kerrie’s local MP, Peter Grant, described the UK Government’s continued freeze on benefits – particularly the child benefit – as a “disgrace”.

A study published last year by The Resolution Foundation calculated that working families with two children lose £315 a year as a result of the freeze.

There are times when I genuinely feel trapped... No one wants to live in poverty

The Glenwood area of Glenrothes, above, where more than 30% of children are living in poverty.