A Lanarkshire MP has said more needs to be done to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Dr Lisa Cameron MP is calling on the UK government to go "further and faster" with its measures to prevent families across her constituency falling into a spiral of poverty.
It comes as alarming new figures from campaign group 38 Degrees and Survation reveal thousands in the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow constituency are facing a cost of living crisis with record inflation, rising food and petrol costs and record energy bills.
According to research conducted by the group on the impact on East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow specifically:
- 77% are experiencing more expensive energy bills.
- 74% are experiencing increased fuel costs.
- 65% are experiencing increased transport costs.
- 90% are experiencing more expensive groceries
- 71% are experiencing shortages of products in supermarkets and stores.
Ms Cameron said: "These statistics show that the vast majority of people across our constituency are suffering greatly from the impact of the soaring costs of energy, fuel and food bills.
"I call on the government to immediately go further and faster with its measures to prevent families across the constituency suffering greatly from the cost of living crisis, for example reinstating the uprating in Universal Credit, rolling out an energy strategy as a matter of urgency that lowers bills and protects the environment.
"Also halting its proposed National Insurance hike, which is punitive for those in work at a time when most across our constituency are struggling already."
The call comes as Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled the contents of his Spring Statement in the House of Commons this week.
He had been under pressure to help households with the cost of living squeeze, with prices rising 6.2 per cent in the 12 months to February - the fastest for 30 years.
And with inflation surging, The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that living standards will fall at the fastest pace on record.
As part of his budget Chancellor Mr Sunak announced he would cut fuel duty, raise the threshold at which people start paying National Insurance, and pledged to cut the basic rate of income tax from before the next general election.
Mr Sunak promised the government would "stand by" families struggling with the cost of living.
In relation to the cut to the basic rate of income tax by 1p in the pound, Mr Sunak told MPs: "It would clearly be irresponsible to meet this ambition this year."
But he added official forecasts said inflation would be "back under control" and national debt falling by 2024, making a cut possible then.
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