Rachael Hamilton MSP has welcomed recent figures released on the extent of cost of living support provided by the UK to the Scottish Borders.
Over 10,000 families in the Borders will receive the first of two means tested cost of living payments by the end of this month, with a further 8,000 people living with disabilities in the Borders eligible to receive a £150 disability cost of living payment.
In total, the UK Government will spend over £8 million on supporting families and individuals with disabilities through cost of living support in the Borders. This is on top of measures previously outlined, such as the fuel duty cut and energy bills support scheme.
Whilst Ms Hamilton has highlighted the benefits these payments will bring to families in the Borders who are struggling with the cost of living, she has acknowledged that many families will require more support, and calls on the Scottish Government to use devolved powers to ensure this support is provided.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The UK Government are doing the right thing by stepping in to support families here in Borders and across the country in the face of an unprecedented, global cost of living crisis.
“Inflation, driven by the post pandemic reopening of economies and the increase in oil and gas prices as a result of Putin’s abhorrent invasion of Ukraine, is hitting families hard. Thankfully, the strength of the UK economy is such that this burden can be eased by the broad shoulders of the Treasury.
“Despite the hard work of the Treasury in delivering this support alongside other measures, I understand that many people will still be left struggling to cope with the economic pressures we are facing.
“Whilst the UK Government continues to do all it can to support us, I would urge the Scottish Government to look at ways it can support people here in Scotland to weather this economic storm. For example, they have the power to decrease the tax burden on working people.
“However, instead of taking positive action, all we have heard from the SNP and Green Party Government on this matter is the usual grievances. For all of those who continue to struggle, this needs to change.”
