AS The UK Government’s welfare reforms begin on 1st April, Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, says:
“As the UK Government welfare reforms kick in today [1st April] across Scotland, there is no doubt that the brunt will be felt most severely by the least well off and most vulnerable in our society.
“These cuts come against a background of rising homelessness (2), public sector job cuts and people struggling with the cost of living.
“More people are going to find it even harder to stay in their homes or find an affordable place to live and politicians seem to have no plan for dealing with the impact.
“There is still time for the UK government to think again about the impact of these changes on people who, however briefly, need a housing safety net to keep a roof over their head.
“Without this safety net, we expect a significant rise in demand for our advice and support services – whether housing and homelessness, money or legal.
“For anyone who feels overwhelmed by their financial struggle it is crucial they face up to the facts and get advice sooner rather than later.”
Specialist debt and housing advice is available via Shelter Scotland’s website.
Visit www.shelter.org.uk or call the free helpline on 0808 800 4444 and get impartial and expert advice now.
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
1. Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity. Shelter Scotland believes that everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
2. Homelessness assistance applications rose by 212 to 29,382 for the period 30th June 2010 and 30th September 2010 – the latest figures released by the Scottish Government.
3. Spokespeople are available for interview, telephone the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line number is available for broadcast interviews.
4. For more information about Shelter Scotland visit www.shelter.org.uk
5. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Shelter Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Neil Baldwin or Sarah Webster
Phone: 0844 515 2442 (connects to out of hours)
Website: http://www.shelter.org.uk
