Shock as 44 percent of households in the Highlands experience slump in income during coronavirus crisis
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STARK figures showing 44 per cent of households in the Highlands have had incomes cut during the Covid-19 crisis have been revealed by Highland Council's leader.
Calling it a "difficult time for households," Councillor Margaret Davidson said services were in place for anyone needing help.
Cllr Davidson made the remarks as she led the local authority's support for the Scotland-wide Challenge Poverty Week.
Challenge Poverty Week runs from October 5-11 and is designed to show that too many people experience the constant pressure of living in poverty.
Cllr Davidson, who represents Aird and Loch Ness ward, said: "This is a very difficult time for households, a recent report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that almost a third of households across Scotland have reported a drop in their incomes since March 2020.
"The Highlands and Islands were most affected rising to 44 per cent, and there has been a significant increase in the numbers of people claiming benefits."
Throughout Challenge Poverty Week, the council will use social media to highlight issues, including a leaflet that provides information on the support that can be provided by its welfare support team and other organisations.
Cllr Davidson added: "People can ask for advice and information services from the council’s Welfare Support Team and the local Citizen’s Advice Bureaux. We know that customers receiving this support, often express the relief they feel, and the positive impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing.
"We can also help if anyone is required to self-isolate due to the coronavirus and needs support, for example with food supplies or financial assistance, they should contact the council’s freephone helpline on 0300 303 1362."
Peter Kelly of the Poverty Alliance, which organises Challenge Poverty Week, said: “Too many people in Scotland are living with the constant pressure of living in poverty.
"As we plan our economic recovery, we must redesign our economy to reflect the values of justice and compassion we all share. By boosting people’s incomes and reducing the cost of living we can make sure we all have what we need.”
