7 million households have gone without items such as food, heating or basic toiletries for more than a year because of the Tories’ cost of living crisis, fresh research has revealed.
The research conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found the cost of living crisis had hit low-income households on Universal Credit hardest, with 87% having gone without at least one essential for the third survey in over a year, and 76% having gone hungry, cut down on or skipped meals in the last 30 days, demonstrating the urgent need for an Essentials Guarantee to protect the nation’s health.
The SNP warned the Tories are entrenching poverty while forcing millions more into destitution with their failure to get a grip of rising costs and inflation.
Commenting, SNP Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, Patricia Gibson MP said:
“It’s a scandal that seven million UK households are foregoing basic essentials like food, heating and toiletries as the Tory cost of living crisis deepens – showing exactly why Scotland needs to escape Westminster control with independence.
“The Tories trashed the UK economy with Brexit, cuts and sheer incompetence – and now the pro-Brexit Labour Party are imposing the same damaging policies that are entrenching poverty.
“The SNP is the only party offering real change with independence – and real help with the cost of living through progressive policies like the Scottish Child Payment.
“The UK government must follow Scotland’s lead and deliver urgent support for families – including by raising the child element of Universal Credit by £25 a week.
“At the election next year, voting SNP is the only way to secure real change with independence, tackle the cost of living and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good.”
