The number of people asking for help with fuel bills in Dundee has almost doubled in recent weeks, according to the local Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
Dundee's CAB says it has seen an 85% increase in requests for "utilities support" across April and May, above the 62% rise recorded across Scotland as a whole. Council-run advice services also say they have seen a 12% increase in enquiries over the last three months compared to the previous quarter.
Local councillors are set to be told later on Monday that 12 years of benefit reform, the impact of the Covid pandemic and the emerging cost of living crisis are set to present a "significant challenge" to locals' income and their health.
Dundee City Council says it is working with local bodies such as the Brooksbank Centre in Linlathen and energy support charity SCARF to create a joined-up support network.
The network has led to schemes such as Fuel Well giving locals help with their fuel bills, with thousands of people receiving a share of hundreds of thousands of pounds across the last two years.
However, recent world events including the invasion of Ukraine, Brexit and global supply shortages have created a new and altogether more challenging situation for many.
Are you having problems paying your fuel bills? Share your story in the comments.
Councillor John Alexander, who leads the council as well as its policy and resources committee, said: "“The astonishing work that goes on to help people in Dundee and to direct them to lifeline funding and support is more vital than ever given the current cost of living crisis following the pandemic.”
Depute committee convener Cllr Willie Sawers added: “This new strategy builds on the strong partnership which has existed for a few years now between the council, Brooksbank, Dundee CAB and SCARF.
"I am proud of what has been achieved so far as it shows what a caring city we are. But we cannot underestimate the scale of the challenges we are facing.”
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