Western Isles Citizens Advice Bureau is today warning that a ‘perfect storm’ of financial changes are set to leave thousands of people worse off.
Abigail Taylor
Autumn sees the end of the furlough scheme, rising energy bills and a cut of £20 per week to Universal Credit.
An increase on the energy price cap was introduced on 1st October 2021 for the 15 million customers across the UK. Those on default tariffs paying by direct debit will see an increase of £139 from £1,138 to £1277. Prepayment customers will see an increase of £153 from £1,156 to £1309.
Against this background, Western Isles Citizens Advice Bureau is launching a campaign reminding people in the Western Isles that free, confidential and impartial advice is available for anyone who needs it.
Operations Manager, Lynda MacLean said: “The end of furlough, an increase in energy bills and the £20 cut to Universal Credit are all about to happen over the next few weeks. Any one of these would be a challenge to low-income families, but all of them happening together is going to be a perfect storm that will hit really hard. We also face a particular challenge in the islands due to the additional cost of heating homes and the high level of fuel poverty in our area.”
“Another issue that will disproportionately affect the Islands more than urban areas, is the Scottish Government’s decision to remove oil boilers from the Warmer Scotland Scheme nationally. This was done with no consultation or engagement with stakeholders and as a consequence of the partnership arrangement between the SNP government and the Greens.”
“In the past couple of weeks, management and staff at Western Isles Citizens Advice Bureau have met with both our MP & MSP, who have assured us that they will make representations on behalf of our clients to both parliaments, and we are grateful to them for taking the time to do so.”
“People facing tough financial choices in the coming weeks should know that our advice adds up. Our team of advisers are here to help anyone who is in financial difficulty. Remember our advice is always free, confidential and impartial.”
“We can help you with any financial problem, there may be grants or benefits you are entitled to but not aware off, including the Warm Home Discount Scheme. We also offer help and advice in relation to debt. Last year we unlocked a total of £846,140.73 in financial gain for people who came to see us.”
To get advice please contact your local Bureau –
Uist
Tel: 01870 602421
Email: bureau@uistcab.casonline.org.uk
Lewis
Tel: 01851 705727
Email: bureau@lewiscab.casonline.org.uk
Harris
Tel: 01859 502431
Email: bureau@harriscab.casonline.org.uk
Barra
Tel: 01871 810608
Email: bureau@barracab.casonline.org.uk
or get our advice online at www.cas.org.uk/our-advice-adds-up
