Support is at hand for hard-up families as cost of living rises
MSP urges struggling Buddies to contact CAB
Buddies are being urged to seek expert advice to cut their bills and save cash as fuel and food prices soar.
Natalie Don MSP is backing the new ‘Our Advice Adds Up’ campaign encouraging local residents to contact Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to get advice to maximise their income and cut bills.
The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is supporting the campaign after learning that 1.4 million people in Scotland have run out money before payday in the past year.
Ms Don said: “It is truly heartbreaking to discover that so many people across Scotland are struggling to put food on their tables ahead of their work, pensions or benefits payday.
“With food and energy prices already rising, and the latest figures showing 15,476 people in Renfrewshire are claiming Universal Credit, thousands of hardpressed local families will be devastated by the cut to the £20 UC uplift.
“I dread to think about how they will cope during the winter months as they are driven much deeper into poverty.
“I’m pleased to support the ‘Our Advice Adds Up’ campaign and encourage people in Renfrewshire who are experiencing financial pressures to obtain vital advice from Renfrewshire CAB about how to maximise their incomes and cut their bills.”
Gavin Lovesey, service development manager at
Renfrewshire CAB said: “We welcome this support for the campaign.
“With the National Insurance contributions increase, rising inflation and rapidly rising energy prices, going into this winter will be challenging particularly for those on low incomes.
“As furlough ends, many more people may find themselves living solely on benefits.
“We urge anyone who is struggling with money, or worried about how they’ll cope with these challenges, to get in touch with us to ensure they’re receiving everything they’re entitled to, getting help to manage any debt, and reducing spend where possible.”
Get in touch with Renfrewshire CAB by phoning 0141 889 2121 or find advice online at www. renfrewshirecab.org.uk
In 2020/21, Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau provided advice to help 3,564 local people to gain a cumulative total of £2.4million.
Natalie Don