Shocking new evidence has revealed hundreds of people in West Lothian have no money left after they have paid essential costs like tax, rent or mortgage, energy bills and food.
People struggling with the cost-of-living crisis are being urged not to suffer in silence and seek help as the emergency grows.
West Lothian Citizens Advice Bureau is encouraging people to seek its help after they revealed the plight of just one local family who is £1,000 worse off than this time last year.
The charity also said that out of the 32 local authorities in Scotland, West Lothian is the 12th poorest, with 42,000 (23 per cent) of people living in poverty. Almost 10,000 of these people are children. West Lothian CAB manager Brian Jeffrey said the extent of the financial crisis is “really shocking”.
He continued: “We have experienced advisers here saying they’ve never seen it quite this bad – and it looks set to get even worse since the energy bill hike back in October.
“So many people are coming to us who just have no money at all.
“Their income is completely wiped out by the basic payments we all have to make, so there’s nothing left for things like clothes or a night out or school trips or anything else.
“Our advice is free, confidential and completely impartial.
“Whatever your situation is, whether it’s debt or bills or anything else, our friendly expert advisers are waiting for you to come in and talk to them.
“We don’t judge, we just help.
“If you’re worried about money just now, you’re not alone and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Help is here if you need it, so don’t suffer in silence. Let us help you.”
The charity said you can get in touch to receive help in a number of ways.
Visit www.moneymap.scot which will help with finding ways to make the most of your money, decrease your bills and help meet the costs of daily living.
You can also access free support online from CAB’s public advice site.
This gives help including information on budgeting, what to do if you’re struggling to pay your bills and on dealing with debt at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/
You can also find out if you’re missing out on making savings on your council tax bills.
The Council Tax tool tells you quickly if you’re entitled to a discount, reduction or exemption at www.checkmycounciltax.scot/
If you are thinking about claiming Universal Credit for the first time, CAB can help.
Its Help to Claim advisers are available by webchat (www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim) or telephone (0800 023 2581) and can guide you through the process.
You can also contact the bureau directly by calling 01506 432977 or emailing Enquiries@CABWestLothian.casonline.org.uk.
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