On Wednesday, the SNP Government launched a ‘one stop shop’ website to help people across North Ayrshire and Scotland who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis fulfilling a Programme for Government 2022/23 commitment
The Cost of Living Support Scotland website includes information on help available for households to meet rising energy, housing and other costs.
It provides details on accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators, as well as wider health and wellbeing information.
There will be a nationwide media campaign to raise awareness of the website and signpost people impacted by rising costs to the help available.
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“I know from conversations with constituents struggling with the cost of living crisis that it can be difficult for people to know where to turn for help.
“The SNP Government’s new cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.
“This comes is in addition to the almost £3,000 million Scottish Ministers have allocated this year towards mitigating the cost of living crisis, which has only been exacerbated by UK Tory Government economic incompetence which seems to worsen by the day!
“This package spans a range of support, for energy bills, childcare, health and travel, as well as social security payments that are not available anywhere else in the UK. The website is an important signpost towards them all.
“The SNP Government will continue to do everything within its limited powers and budget to ensure people are supported as far as possible.”
Scotland National Director for Christians Against Poverty (CAP), Emma Jackson, said:
“We are deeply concerned about the impact of rising costs on low income households. Even before rising costs, over a third (36%) of CAP clients had to borrow to meet essential living costs and we know the consequences of problem debt can be devastating for people.
“The new cost of living website is a welcome step in helping people to find and access all the vital support that is available to them, including steps to maximise income. People need to know help is available. Now, more than ever, we need to take every action possible to support households who are being hit the hardest by the cost-of-living crisis.”
The Cost of Living Support Scotland website can be accessed here.
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