AS we enter a new tax year, a very important time economically for the country, it may be worth mentioning that many benefits are increasing, albeit just below the rate of inflation when it peaked.
Here in Scotland 12 benefits will increase by 10.1%, directly benefitting the most vulnerable in society. But the Scottish Government and new First Minister went further and announced an increase to the Fuel Insecurity Fund next year from £10m annually to £30m. This will make a huge difference to struggling households and also assist in addressing household poverty.
READ MORE: Is Scotland falling behind Europe when it comes to free public transport?
Both Westminster and Holyrood are currently in recess, but unfortunately poverty does not take a holiday and the Scottish Government must keep demanding full welfare powers be devolved to Scotland with immediate effect, or better still, we gain independence and run our own socially just government with no limits imposed from Westminster.
Catriona C Clark
Falkirk
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