Perth and Kinross residents in need are being encouraged to seek support as foodbanks look for more donations amid the rising cost of living crisis.
A number of factors combined are hitting local people in the pocket with more facing a struggle to eat and heat their homes.
Energy bills are to skyrocket with the price cap increased by £693 to £1791 after Ofgem hiked it up from April 1.
The cost of buying a pub meal, soft drink or hotel stay could become more expensive from April as VAT levels across the hospitality sector lift back to 20 per cent after they were reduced to support the pandemic recovery.
National Insurance rates will rise by 1.25 per cent and a 2.5 per cent council tax rise was agreed at the Perth and Kinross Council budget meeting in February.
The PA also told last week how staff shortages, fuel costs and price rises are squeezing Highland Perthshire businesses, leading to cuts in activity and in some cases closure.
Aberfeldy Taxis told customers it had taken the decision to stop taking short distance fares in the town.
National figures show fuel costs alone have increased 35 pence plus VAT per litre since January.
And rising alongside costs is the number of people who need help with basics as money becomes tight.
Perth and Kinross Food Bank made a plea for more donations on Thursday to keep “stock levels up” as the charity is “giving out twice as much as we are receiving in donations”.
The food bank has asked for long-life milk and juice, instant meals (eg instant noodles), tinned fish and meat, and tinned vegetables, tomatoes, fruit and puddings.
Collection points are available in all major supermarkets in Perth and Blairgowrie, plus Nationwide and Sainsbury’s on Perth’s High Street.
In March the food bank warned that increasing energy bills are going to “push many more people into poverty and destitution”.
“We’ve already seen a rapid increase in the number of people being referred to us for help since last autumn,” a spokesperson said at the time.
“Please continue to donate to your local food bank. Thank you.”
The food bank also urged those in need to get in touch with the PKC Welfare Rights Team who “are on hand to help anyone in need of advice and support”.
Perth’s Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) branch also is asking those struggling to get in touch.
Chief executive Jane Adams has said: “There’s no doubt that many households in Perthshire are struggling financially right now.
“Our message to people is that your local CAB is here to help.
“If you are struggling financially or if you’re in debt, come and talk to our expert money advisers.”
Perhaps the biggest squeeze on local budgets this year will be the massive hike in gas and electricity prices.
They are set to increase by an average of 54 per cent across the UK, meaning the average person will see their bills £693 more expensive than last year.
And because the price cap is changed every six months, that means it is also likely to rise substantially again in September.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced all households will be given £200 off their energy bills as a result.
The policy is effectively a loan, as everyone will have to pay it back from 2023. That means an extra £40 will have to be paid back yearly for five years.
There will also be a £150 council tax rebate for those in bands A-D, introduced by the UK and Scottish Governments.
In February, Perthshire North MSP John Swinney revealed a £3.3 million fund support package to help Scottish families affected by current pressures.
The government aid, which is being distributed by local authorities and third sector organisations, will help those with immediate needs for food, fuel, utilities or clothing.
To contact Perth’s Citizens Advice Bureau go to www.perthcab.org.uk/ or call 0808 196 9440.
To contact Perth and Kinross Food Bank go to http://perthkinross.foodbank.org.uk/ or call 01738 626799.
To contact the PKC Welfare Rights Team got to pkc.gov.uk/welfarerights or call 01738 476900.
