Advice available to Caithness residents on shop price rises, energy price cap and interest rates as some face the 'devastating choice between heating and eating'
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Caithness shoppers have been hit with the highest price rises in nearly a decade after retail inflation almost doubled over the past month, according to a new report.
The findings came as it was announced that Ofgem will tomorrow (Thursday, February 3) announce the level of the energy price cap from April 1.
The Bank of England will also set its interest rates tomorrow, which could see a rise in the cost of borrowing.
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), the country’s national advice service, operates free services to help those with debt worries – moneyadvice.scot – and concerns about energy bills – energyadvice.scot.
The charity also administers the Scottish Government’s £3million Home Heating Support Fund and is inviting referral partners which provide accredited energy advice and/or approved money advice to register at www.homeheatingadvice.scot.
Conor Forbes, head of policy at ADS, said: “People across Scotland are facing a sharp rise in the cost-of-living this year, with food bills rising and energy bills set to soar.
“This latest report and the looming announcement on the energy price cap will cause anxiety for many households, especially at a time when people are feeling the pinch and some face the devastating choice between heating and eating. The most important advice is to remember that you don’t have to struggle alone.
“There is free and practical advice available for all Scottish households, with our expert debt advisers at moneyadvice.scot able to help if you have personal financial worries. And our energyadvice.scot team can support anyone with concerns about energy bills.
“At this difficult time for many, talking things through with an adviser can help.”
