MP says cost of living crisis is deepening in Inverclyde

Ronnie Cowan says that low-income homes and households with a disability are bearing the brunt of financial hardship.

The SNP man has revealed a surge in constituents contacting his office over energy debt, court action over rent arrears and families struggling to make ends meet due to benefit sanctions shows no sign of slowing down.

One case being dealt with by his team involves a woman facing a near-£8,000 bill after her energy firm failed and the account was transferred to a new operator.

The MP has highlighted the withdrawal of the UK Government Energy Bill Support Scheme this winter, and a rise in the price cap from this month, as well as consistently high food prices, for leaving local people in despair.

He says many constituents contacting his office are struggling to put food on the table and that households living with disability are particularly vulnerable because they may need energy-hungry equipment and heat the house for the majority of the day.

The aim of today's Oak Mall surgery is to bring constituents together with his caseworkers and outside organisations which can offer expert advice.

Mr Cowan said: "The cost-of-living crisis is the biggest issue we face.

"It has a relentless impact on all aspects of people's lives, and rather than improving, it is getting worse.

"My caseworker team are experts in going to the right place to get these issues resolved or mitigated, so I would urge anyone who is struggling to come along.

"And by having other organisations there on the day we can put constituents face to face instantly with people who can help."

Other cases which have come to the MP lately include a mum with disabled children having issues with benefits, a woman in rent arrears being taken to court and energy firms sending debt collectors to hound customers.

And some energy direct debit customers who believed they were in credit have been shocked to find that they are now in debt because high energy costs have eaten away their cash surplus.

Mr Cowan said: "There is no Energy Bill Support Scheme from the UK Government this winter, and it continues to resist all calls to introduce an energy social tariff which would reduce bills for households where there is a disability.

"Disabled groups and the SNP have made a compelling case for this to happen.

"On top of this we are seeing a rise in the energy unit price cost, and a planned UK Government crackdown through benefits sanctions.

"Anyone who has to go shopping to put food on the table will know that prices are still incredibly high.

"The Office of National Statistics says that food prices are 27 per cent higher now than two years ago.

"That has a severe impact on household budgets all on its own."

*Today's advice drop-in will be at the former Clarks unit in the Oak Mall from 1-3pm, with Age Scotland, Scottish Gas, Inverclyde Advice First and Financial Fitness all represented.