Aaron Hill

The findings of the SFHA’s Social Security and Financial Wellbeing Survey, conducted through a quarterly sampling of its membership on tenants’ financial wellbeing, represent approximately 17,000 households across Scotland.

As in the previous quarter’s sample, SFHA members reported high demand for foodbank referrals and emergency fuel vouchers, including from tenants who are in work. One housing association said that its own emergency fuel funds, to support tenants struggling with their energy bills, are running out much faster than they used to.

In order to mitigate the effects of the cost of living crisis, SFHA is calling for changes to the UK social security system, including increasing benefits in line with inflation, and removing the benefit cap and the two-child limit.

SFHA’s calls come after research by the Child Poverty Action Group found that 200,000 more children across the UK will be pushed into poverty if benefits are uprated by wages rather than inflation.

Aaron Hill, SFHA director of policy and membership, said: “Housing associations and co-operatives have always worked hard to support their tenants when they’re struggling financially, but the cost of living crisis has seen a sharp increase in demand for this help. Our members are reporting increasing need for foodbank referrals and emergency fuel vouchers, including from tenants who are in work.

“In order to support those worst affected by the cost of living crisis, we need urgent changes to the UK social security system, including increasing benefits in line with inflation, and removing the benefit cap and the two-child limit.”