Ayrshire charity calls on Labour government to help tackle inequality and cost of living crisis

Callum Carson
·2-min read

An Ayrshire-based charity has called on the UK government to do more to reduce inequality and manage the cost of living crisis.

CHAP, which operates from Ardrossan and has dedicated community hubs in Dreghorn, Irvine, Kilbirnie, Kilwinning, Saltcoats and Stevenston, specialises in helping to resolve issues related to housing, welfare and debt.

With the Labour government now firmly in place at Westminster, the charity is hoping for a long-term commitment to help shape a more equitable society.

The charity’s CEO, Debbie Alexander, said: “The number of people engaging with our services has increased significantly in recent years. Our information and advice officers regularly deal with clients facing challenging circumstances and financial hardship”.

One of the most common factors impacting families and individuals is the cost of living with many finding household budgets being stretched to their limit and becoming overwhelmed by the financial pressure.

CHAP advisers are reporting that more and more people now have less disposable income and, as a result, are more likely to find themselves getting into debt – especially with Council Tax arrears.

Debbie added: “A significant portion of our debt clients have Council Tax arrears, and they often don’t understand why this is the case.

“Many people who claim Council Tax Reduction are unaware that this only covers the Council Tax portion of their bill - not waste and water costs. This often leads to unforeseen arrears.

“There is no doubt that public trust in politicians is at an all-time low. Here is a unique opportunity to put ordinary people’s financial wellbeing at the heart of your decision making.”

By creating a strong relationship with the newly elected MPs for Ayrshire, CHAP hopes to change attitudes and work collectively towards creating stronger and more economically resilient communities.

Debbie said: “I am hopeful that we could now have an administration that prioritises reforming the welfare system and public services to help lift struggling families out of poverty. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that we need real change and we need it now.”

All CHAP’s services and advice are free, including working with people to alleviate a wide range of health and social issues which go along with debt, including, in the most serious of cases, homelessness and family breakup.

For more information, visit www.chap.org.uk.

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