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01/07/2014
Thousands Of Unemployed Scots Left In Poverty - CAS
Thousands of sick, disabled and unemployed people from Scotland are being left in poverty as their benefit payments are stopped.
In a new report published today by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) shows that many people hit by benefit 'sanctions' are forced into poverty and ill health, often having to rely on foodbanks. The report also reveals that many people who are hit by a sanction are not told the reason for it, or how to appeal against it.
CAS Chief Executive Margaret Lynch said: "Being sanctioned means your benefit money is stopped. From a minimum of a week to as long as three years. That is the money that you live on. The money that you use to heat your home, feed and clothe yourself and your family, pay your bills, pay for travel, to get to the JobCentre and to look for work.
"Can you imagine what it must be like to have that money taken away? To do without an income? Take it one step further and think about what it would mean to have your income stopped and not know why, not know for how long , and not know what you can do about it.
"That is the reality faced by many of the clients CAB see every day. For some they don’t know why, for others they may know why but it was due to unavoidable circumstances. Circumstances such as being unable to access or use computers or missing appointments they had not been notified for, or because they didn’t receive a letter. Others simply don't understand a complex sanctions regime which is not communicated clearly or simply. The result though is that people are left bereft of their income and not sure where to turn.
"This report not only gives the details of these recommendations to the system, but also why we need it."
(CD)
In a new report published today by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) shows that many people hit by benefit 'sanctions' are forced into poverty and ill health, often having to rely on foodbanks. The report also reveals that many people who are hit by a sanction are not told the reason for it, or how to appeal against it.
CAS Chief Executive Margaret Lynch said: "Being sanctioned means your benefit money is stopped. From a minimum of a week to as long as three years. That is the money that you live on. The money that you use to heat your home, feed and clothe yourself and your family, pay your bills, pay for travel, to get to the JobCentre and to look for work.
"Can you imagine what it must be like to have that money taken away? To do without an income? Take it one step further and think about what it would mean to have your income stopped and not know why, not know for how long , and not know what you can do about it.
"That is the reality faced by many of the clients CAB see every day. For some they don’t know why, for others they may know why but it was due to unavoidable circumstances. Circumstances such as being unable to access or use computers or missing appointments they had not been notified for, or because they didn’t receive a letter. Others simply don't understand a complex sanctions regime which is not communicated clearly or simply. The result though is that people are left bereft of their income and not sure where to turn.
"This report not only gives the details of these recommendations to the system, but also why we need it."
(CD)
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