Charities: More targeted support for most vulnerable is priority

Liz Truss has been urged by charities to increase Universal Credit alongside the £2,500 cap on energy bills in this week’s mini-budget.

The new prime minister’s plans to tackle the cost-of-living crisis will be announced by her chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday.

Truss has already announced a £2,500 cap on energy bills for the average household in response to rocketing energy prices.

But Citizens Advice Scotland social justice spokesperson Stephanie Millar said: “Even with the price cap, household bills will still rise next month and inflation remains high, driving up prices in the shops. So further targeted support for low-income and vulnerable people is essential, and the fastest and best way to deliver that is to boost the value of Universal Credit.”

Save the Children also urged a increase in Universal Credit of £10 per child per week and for the cost of living package to double.

Age Scotland warned people on low incomes still face “catastrophic consequences” if more support isn’t offered.

And Energy Action Scotland called for the estimated £100 billion cost to the government of the energy price cap to be repaid through taxes rather than future charges on heating bills.