Moray CAB urges people facing financial Covid-19 hit to use new Money Map
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MORAY Citizens Advice Bureau is urging local people to check a new online money map as a poll reveals the shocking financial impact of Covid-19 on household budgets.
Almost half (47 per cent) of people in Scotland have run out of money before pay day since Covid-19 restrictions began, new research for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has revealed. Nearly one in three (30 per cent) of this group have seen their finances worsen during this time.
The YouGov poll for CAS revealed that 18 per cent of people running out of money before pay day had no financial difficulties before restrictions began but were now facing issues. A further 12 per cent did have difficulty before restrictions and these problems have worsened.
The research found that only five per cent of people who were in financial difficulty before restrictions began have seen their circumstances improve.
Moray CAB is now encouraging people to log on to an online Money Map tool launched today by Citizens Advice Scotland, which is designed to help people dealing with a Covid-19 hit to their finances.
The tool, hosted at www.moneymap.scot, offers practical advice on how people can improve their incomes and cut their living costs through areas such as housing, benefits, grants and energy bills. It directs users to online sites where they can access these options.
Moray Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) manager Mary Riley said: "The coronavirus pandemic has meant a period of huge economic uncertainty for people in Moray.
"Given how many people were on a financial cliff-edge before the virus struck, living from pay day to pay day and just making enough to cover essential bills, it’s clear that Covid is pushing substantial numbers of people into debt and destitution.
"That’s why we are promoting the Money Map tool, which brings together all the helpful online advice and options that are out there for people who are feeling the squeeze on their finances.
"The tool is for anyone and everyone impacted financially by the virus and it covers a whole range of opportunities to increase income, cut costs and get in control of your personal and household finances.
"While we would always encourage policy-makers to go further in providing financial support policies, it’s vital that people recognise they have rights and entitlements now, to help them get that extra bit of money that could make all the difference. Our Money Map helps people do that."
Moray CAB can be contacted on 01343 555163 or 01343 550088, or email www.moraycab.org.uk/contactus.
