NORTH Ayrshire and Arran’s MP Patricia Gibson has called on the UK Government to provide urgent support to families and households struggling to make ends meet due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It comes as a Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) survey revealed that one in three Scots are worried about how they will pay for bills, food and other essentials Four in 10 living in rented accommodation said they are concerned about future payments on their home.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “These figures provide a stark illustration of what has been clear for some time – coronavirus is not just a public health crisis but represents a cost of living one for households as well.”

Ms Gibson MP is now backing calls for an emergency energy grant - to support households struggling to pay their energy bills and a six-month reprieve on utilities being cut off - to ensure struggling households don’t lose access to energy and telecoms utilities during the crisis.

The SNP MP said: “The COVID-19 crisis has pushed many families and individuals, through no fault of their own, into hardship and financial difficulty.

“With people worried about how they will pay for food, essential items, bills and payments on their homes, it is vital that the UK Government addresses this, to support people in their time of need.

“Household costs are rising at the same time as millions of people endure a reduction or complete loss of their income. The financial strain facing many is becoming unbearable.”

She added: “The UK Government has worked constructively with devolved governments on measures that have been brought forward so far. However, much more needs to be done to help those households on the brink and struggling to make ends meet.”

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