IN response to a report on the financial impact of welfare reform, by the Scottish Federation of Housing Association, Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, says:
“We have long been warning of the devastating impact the punitive changes to housing benefit will have on the lowest paid and most vulnerable people in our society.
“This report clearly illustrates the scale of the damage and hardship being forced on tens of thousands of households across Scotland and the destructive impact it could have on local economies and communities.
“Our helpline is already busy with calls from worried tenants and, as these changes hit home, we expect the number of calls to keep rising.
“Shelter Scotland joins with the SFHA in condemning these changes and supports its call for the UK and Scottish governments to beware the report’s findings and to provide much better advice and support to everyone adversely affected and to the housing and support organisations having to deal with the consequences.
“In preparation for the expected storm, we have been working closely with various support agencies, housing organisations and councils and we are ready to offer expert and timely advice and support services to everyone who needs us.”
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
1. Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit www.shelterscotland.org or call 0808 800 4444.
2. Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
3. Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterinscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
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Contact: Shelter Scotland
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Website: http://www.shelterscotland.org
