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MP demands Chancellor uses Budget to support families in Glasgow South

Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, has written to the Chancellor to urge him to use this week’s budget to tackle the cost of living crisis which is harming households across Scotland.

Polling carried out by Survation, in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees, revealed the stark impact of rising costs on households across Glasgow Sut in recent months:

• 38% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months
• 38% haven't been able to afford to turn the heating on
• 28% fear they may have to use a foodbank

Commenting, Glasgow South MP Stewart McDonald said:

“All eyes are on this week’s budget to see what support is on offer to assist households through a cost of living crisis that is of the Tories’ making.

“People and families in Glasgow South are suffering from a toxic mix of inflation, soaring energy costs, rising mortgage rates, and Tory austerity and cannot afford continued inaction from the UK government.

“If the Chancellor wants to do do something about these exorbitant costs he can start by cutting the Energy Price Guarantee to £2,000 and maintaining the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme until the summer, a move that would save households £1,400.

“The fact that 38% of people in Glasgow South are missing rent payments, with the same number living without heating through the cold months and 28% relying on foodbanks is a disgrace that should shame the Tories into taking serious action - but I won't hold my breath.

“These figures have soared, like costs, under Westminster rule but sadly we’re unlikely to see what families desperately need from a party that throughout its existence has lacked the political will to help the most vulnerable.

"In Scotland we've used our limited powers to support households, including with the introduction of the Scottish Child payment, described as 'game-changing' by leading charities. But it shouldn't be for the SNP Scottish Government to constantly have to mitigate the worst of Tory rule.

“The impact of this cost of living crisis is further proof that only with the full powers of independence can we offer real support to the people of Scotland during difficult times and secure just economic prosperity for everyone in our society.”

Read Mr McDonald's letter to the Chancellor here.