Cost of Living

Poverty Campaigners Worried by End to Furlough Scheme and Universal Credit Uplift

An anti-poverty campaign group based in Glasgow has raised concerns about the potential impact of the government ending its furlough scheme and rescinding the £20 uplift to Universal Credit payments.

Scale of Personal Debt Problems ‘Must Not be Overlooked by Policymakers’

The extent to which individuals and households across the UK are struggling with debt issues must not go overlooked by policymakers either within government or at the Bank of England.

Quarter of Workers ‘Made Bad Debt Decisions During the Pandemic’

Nearly one in four people employed at large companies in the UK feel that they made at least one bad decision relating to their personal debts over the course of the pandemic.

£10m Grant Funds Pledged to Help Scots in Rent Arrears Due to Covid

The Scottish government has pledged to provide £10 million in grant funding to support people who have fallen into rent arrears as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scottish Businesses ‘Need More Support if Restrictions Will Continue’

Scottish businesses will need more financial support if the current coronavirus restrictions are to stay in place beyond the end of June.

1 in 5 People ‘Have Less Than £100 in Savings’

Close to one in five adults in the UK have less than £100 set aside as savings and many people have become less able to save money over the course of the past two years.

£26 Million Pledged to Help More Scots Get Online

The Scottish government has pledged £26 million to help more people get online and get to grips with digital processes.

Millions Falling Behind with Broadband Bills

As many as 2.5 million people living across the UK are currently behind with their broadband internet bills, according to a new piece of research.

HMRC Warns Tax Credit Customers to Look Out for Scams

HMRC has warned its tax credit customers to be aware that they may be targeted by scams as they approach the deadline for renewing their claims.

1 in 10 Scots with Problem Debts Cite Covid Crisis as Primary Cause

Around 10 per cent of people with problem debts in Scotland cite the Covid-19 crisis as the primary cause of their financial distress.

Most Scots in Problem Debt ‘Wish They’d Sought Help Sooner’

Most people who contact Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) for help and guidance in dealing with their debts ultimately wish they had reached out for that support sooner than they did.

Universal Credit’s ‘Absurd Flaws’ Stopping People Getting Help They Need

Flaws within the Universal Credit framework are hindering many thousands of people from getting the help they need as they engage with the benefits system.