Cost of living

Inequality and its impact on people’s lives is not new. It is deep rooted and caused by our unfair and ineffective economic system. Nevertheless, recent global events and polictical decisions have been making things worse for many people in Britain. The rising cost of basic needs such as food, fuel, housing and clothing is pushing more households into poverty and financial hardship.

As has been the case during the Covid-19 pandemic, community organisations are at the front-line supporting people who are in difficulty, providing essentials such as food and warmth. While community organisations are completely right to provide this vital support, it shouldn’t be left to the community and voluntary sector to do this and drastic change is clearly needed at national as well as global levels to address poverty and inequality.

A range of vital services and sources of support are available in Scotland to help people during this cost-of-living crisis. In addition, there are organisations committed to campaigning and influencing change to tackle the roots of poverty and inequality.

Some organisations are providing comprehesive lists of these resources and support. Rather than dulplicate this, Communities Channel Scotland is linking to some of the key existing websites.

Please get in touch if you want to suggest any additional content or changes.

Featured

If your community group is really worried about your future sustainability or facing very severe challenges and not sure where to turn, you can access fast-response advice and support through this service.

Examples of communities tackling inequality

From supporting people affected to influencing change, community organisations are at the forefront of action around inequality and the cost-of-living. We’ve featured some of them on Communities Channel Scotland.

Child Poverty Action Group

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) works on behalf of the more than one in four children in the UK growing up in poverty. This includes understanding what causes poverty, the impact it has on children’s lives, and how it can be prevented and solved.

Money Guiders Network

The Money Guiders Network is designed to give different types of organisations and practitioners the support and information that can help make it easier for to talk to others about their money worries.

Money Advice Scotland

Money Advice Scotland is a charity that helps people in debt, suppors money advisers, and influences policy. It also offers information and other services for community groups working to support people through financial hardship.

Examples of cost of living support in Scotland

Communities Channel Scotland is starting to compile examples of the essential support community organisations are providing to people during the cost of living crisis.

Help during the cost of living crisis

This Scottish Government website has links to guidance and support for energy and bills, benefits and income, children and families, debt and money, health and wellbeing and older or disabled people.

Scotland's Regeneration Forum (SURF)

SURF provides a network, shared learning, events and online resources for community regeneration in Scotland. Their website contains useful information on Covid-19, the cost of living, 20-minute neighbourhoods, community wealth building and more.

Citizens Advice Scotland

As well as providing links to your local citizens advice bureau, citizens advice scotland offer advice on their website relating to a range of issues, including welfare, financial hardship and other issues.

Challenge Poverty Week

Launched by the Poverty Allliance in 2013, Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for us to raise our voices against poverty and unite with others in calling for a just and equal Scotland.

A warm welcome: setting up a warm space in your community

This guide from CILIP gives practical suggestions for setting up a warm space as well as links to further resources.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The JRF website is a useful place to go for information and policy thinking in relation to poverty, inequality, universal credit and welfare, work and pay, housing and a range of other issues. Any group campaigning around these issues should check the website out.

Social Impact Pledge

The Social Impact Pledge is about simple ways that public bodies can make a difference to communities. Here are some pledges made by public bodies that make commitments to address poverty and inequality.

Young Scot

In addition to providing Young Scot cards to everyone aged 11- 26 in Scotland, Youg Scot provides a range of information and resources aimed at young people, including in relation to Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.

SCVO

Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has a support section on their website to help you think through some of the key issues relating to starting and managing a voluntary sector organisation in Scotland. You can also find support and advice in relation to the climate emergency, the cost of living crisis and digital technology.

The Poverty Alliance

The Poverty Alliance works alongside people experiencing poverty to influence policies at local and national level that will have an impact on poverty.

The National Lottery Community Fund

The National Lottery Community Fund is worth checking to see what grants are available for community organisations, including for supporting people during the cost of living crisis.

Cost-of-living

A range of vital services and sources of support are available in Scotland to help people during this cost-of-living crisis. In addition, there are organisations committed to campaigning and influencing change to tackle the roots of poverty and inequality.

Some organisations are providing comprehesive lists of these resources and support. Rather than dulplicate this, Communities Channel Scotland is linking to some of the key existing websites.

Current hot topics