COST OF LIVING: POLL REVEALS VAST MAJORITY OF SCOTS WANT TO SEE POVERTY REDUCED
New CAP YouGov poll reveals (89%) 4 million Scots think tackling poverty should be a priority as new campaign launches to unite people in the fight against poverty
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland’s latest YouGov polling shows adults across Scotland are feeling the impact of rising costs as more than half (2.4m) have lost sleep worrying about money and millions are going without essentials.
CAP’s new polling data reveals the devastating impact poverty is having on communities right now.
- 46% (2m) of adults in Scotland have gone without heat at some point this winter, with 488,000 (11%) people going without heat on a daily basis.
- Almost a third (1.3m) have had to skip meals
As costs continue to soar, 84% (3.7m) expect poverty to increase in the UK over the next year. CAP Scotland is fighting poverty in communities across the nation providing free, person-centred, debt help and emergency aid that is open to anyone.
“Poverty is destroying lives in our communities. We need to fight it!”
CAP Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson, said:
“Our latest YouGov poll shows that people throughout Scotland are feeling the impact of debt and poverty. In a just and compassionate society, no one should be forced to go without the essentials. It is heartbreaking to hear of the toll the cost of living crisis is having on the people of Scotland.
At CAP Scotland, we provide free, community-based debt help that is open to anyone. We meet with people in the comfort and safety of their own home and stay with them every step of the way to becoming debt free. We predominantly support those on the lowest incomes who are being hit the hardest by soaring costs. Demand for our emergency aid is rocketing as requests for food and energy top ups are at an all time high.
“That is why CAP Scotland is launching a new campaign asking people to join the fight against poverty's grip on local communities. It is imperative that we all play our part. Starting with our new First Minister, we need to keep tackling poverty front and centre as our national mission. It is vital that everyone has a sufficient income and we no longer give with one hand and take away with another through harsh tactics, like deductions from those who can least afford it.
“CAP Scotland is already working alongside a host of other organisations to tackle poverty together but we need your help. Tragically, 45% of people in Scotland don’t know where to go to access free debt help. Problem debt can happen to anyone and free professional debt help is needed now more than ever. Join us in raising awareness of CAP’s services so anyone who needs help can find it. Find out more on capuk.org/debthelp.
“To tackle poverty head on in 2023, we need to work together. We’re asking politicians & policy makers - energy providers, utilities companies & financial services - local agencies, faith groups and individuals to come together and keep tackling poverty at the heart of decision making. An end to poverty in Scotland is possible.”
CAP’s KEY POLICY ASKS
SOCIAL SECURITY - A commitment from both the UK and Scottish Governments to ensure social security benefits keep pace with living costs, are increased each year at least in line with inflation. It is vitally important that the Scottish Government continues to explore avenues, like a minimum income guarantee, to ensure that everyone has a liveable income.
PAUSE DEDUCTIONS - A pause on deductions from Universal Credit and legacy benefits for public debt, including Council Tax arrears, for at least six months to provide some relief to households during the worst of the cost of living crisis. The Scottish Government and local authorities need to develop common, national standards for recovery of debt and arrears that are trauma informed and rooted in our core values of justice and compassion.
UNCLAIMED BENEFITS - A push for the reduction in unclaimed social security by increasing public awareness and take up of these important means tested benefits.