A new report by Citizens Advice Scotland reveals the heartbreaking challenges faced by those on low incomes during the cost of living crisis.
Nearly 500,000 Scots claim the lifeline Universal Credit and the CAS report shows how difficult life has become for many. Advice given on food banks has grown by almost a third (31 per cent) since September.
The advice provided on UC sanctions and cash advances has also soared over 2021/22. Nobody should be in any doubt about the causes of this hardship – rising energy prices, high inflation and the Tory Government cutting UC.
But despite these concerns, the contest to become the next Prime Minister is playing out in a parallel universe. Although Scots are struggling to make ends meet, the Tory contenders are pandering to their own MPs and party members in a squalid bid to become leader.
Poverty, UC and inequality have not been mentioned, while cutting taxes for the wealthy and big businesses have dominated. Inflation is horrendous for people on modest means and yet Tory MPs are more bothered about tax rates.
One right wing candidate, Suella Braverman, even had the audacity to say the Government spends “too much” on welfare and claimed there are people who are “choosing” to rely on benefits. This appalling debate, triggered by Boris Johnson’s resignation, will hopefully show voters how out of touch these Tories are.
Whoever wins should call a general election and allow people to give their verdict on the Conservative Party and their warped priorities.
No deterrent for domestic abuse
The Scottish Government has insisted that tackling domestic abuse is one of its top priorities. SNP ministers point to legal reforms which make it easier to bring thugs to justice.
But a survey reported in today’s Record shows how physical and mental abuse has travelled down the generations. A third of young women have reported experiencing abuse at the hands of their partners.
And yet the courts still allow abusers like Craig Corbett – who attacked his partner and forced her to flee their home – to avoid jail. A sheriff allowed Corbett to walk free after he agreed to go on a course aimed at helping abusers mend their ways.
If we are to tackle this problem, we do need to educate men that domestic abuse is always wrong. But those who offend need to feel the full force of the law in order to deter others from setting out to hurt women.
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