Karbon Homes joins the call for government to double help for low-income families

North East housing association, Karbon Homes, has joined forces with charitable organisations from across the UK, calling on the candidates for Conservative leader to double the level of support to low-income households to combat the cost of living crisis.

Karbon is one of 70 charities and community organisations to sign a letter urging the two future PM candidates to show “compassion and leadership” to low-income working families and ensure the social security system always provides enough to be able to afford the essentials.

Paul Fiddaman, chief executive of Karbon Homes, said: “More needs to be done by the Government to tackle what can only be described as a ‘national emergency’ and ensure that low-income families have the support they need as we head towards winter.

“Even before the current crisis the reliance on the social security system was leaving many families struggling to cover the essentials, so it’s vital that the new leader grasps the urgency of the situation and puts the necessary actions in place to offer protection.”

In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Karbon is offering support for customers who are struggling, giving out close to £10,000 in food and fuel vouchers and supporting over 1,100 customers to access £2.5m in income they’re entitled to and helping x customers into employment and training.

Paul added: “Since the beginning of the year, we’ve seen an increase in the number of customers coming to us for support with a staggering number telling us that the rising ‘cost of living’ has led them to need help.

“As the cost of living continues to rise and the impact of rising energy bills takes its toll, we’re prepared for even more customers to come to us for support and we’re looking at different ways in which we can help them. The next few months are set to be a real challenge.”

The Government has already pledged £1,200 to the most vulnerable households (with slightly more for vulnerable pensioner and disabled households), but with the rising cost of living on top of runaway energy bills, the letter highlights that the support package is no longer sufficient.

Unless government support doubles, low-income families, already unable to pay their bills, will have to cover the shortfall themselves, falling further into arrears. The letter also calls on Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak to commit to making debt deduction rates from benefits more affordable.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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