Action needed over cost of living crisis

Statistics published by the Scottish Government have revealed the extent of the cost of living crisis facing the people of South Lanarkshire with many thousands having to seek help with council tax exemptions.

Scottish Government statistics have revealed as of last November almost half a million Scots - 497,170 people – were receiving council tax exemption due to financial pressures.

In South Lanarkshire as many as 32,050 have been forced to apply for council tax exemption.

Stratistics have also revekaed that by the end of December over 1,200 people had applied for debt moratoria under emergency measures contained in both the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 and the Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Act 2020.

On top of the pressures of council tax and personal debt, millions of Scots are set to be hit by inflation-busting water prices – despite Scottish Water and its subsidiaries holding reserves of over half a billion pounds.

Ms Beamish is challenging the Scottish Government to take action to support thousands of Scottish families facing a cost of living crisis due to collapsing earnings and spiralling costs.

She said: “The economic shockwaves of this pandemic have rocked families and households in South Lanarkshire, with many thousands facing falling earnings and rising costs.

“Make no mistake, the people of South Lanarkshire are facing a cost of living crisis.

"It is simply unacceptable that 32,050 people in South Lanarkshire have been forced to apply for council tax exemption.

“The Scottish Government has been too slow to act to support businesses, protect workers and protect family finances.

"At the coming budget, Scottish Labour will fight for a fair economic recovery for all that puts the people of Scotland first.

“It’s time to put households and families across South Lanarkshire at the heart of our economic recovery.”