Finances hit by Covid-19? – Money Map could help
Help at Hand column by Rachel MacDonell
Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, many people in Sutherland and Scotland as a whole were already living on a financial cliff edge.
Families were surviving from pay day to pay day, just making enough to cover essential bills, with no financial cushion.
Covid-19 has led to a period of huge economic uncertainty and made the situation for many already struggling to make ends meet much worse.
Polling conducted for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) by YouGov has revealed the shocking financial impact of Covid-19 on household budgets.
Almost half (47 per cent) of people in Scotland have run out of money before pay day since Covid-19 restrictions began.
Nearly one in three (30 per cent) of this group have seen their finances worsen during this time.
The poll revealed that 18 per cent of people running out of money before pay day had no financial difficulties before restrictions began, but are now facing issues.
A further 12 per cent did have difficult before restrictions and these problems have worsened.
The research found that only five per cent of people who were in financial difficult before restrictions began have seen their circumstances improve.
At East and Central Sutherland CAB, we're now encouraging people experiencing budget difficulties to log onto an online Money Map tool (www.moneymap.scot) launched by CAS.
The tool offers practical advice on how people can improve their incomes and cut their living costs through areas such as housing, benefits, grants and energy bills. It directs users to online sites where they can access these options.
it’s vital that people recognise they have rights and entitlements now, to help them get that extra bit of money that could make all the difference. Our Money Map helps people do that.
As always, our advisers are working from our bureau in Golspie, providing advice and support to anyone who’d like our help.
Until April our money adviser Peter Wardhaugh will also have a virtual drop-in service available each Friday morning 10am-1pm (available by telephone or video conference).
You can discuss concerns you may have about money or debt and Peter can help you get these resolved. Call or email the bureau to find out more. Tel 01408 633000 advice@ecscab.org.uk
Rachel MacDonell is manager of East and Central Sutherland Citizens Advice Bureau.
