Almost half of Scots are worried about their finances as a result of the coronavirus pandemic
Almost half of Scots are concerned about their income amidst the Covid-19 outbreak, a new poll has revealed.
The ScotPulse survey, which was carried out for Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), found that 41% of those questioned are concerned about their finances as a result of the crisis.
The polling also tracks people concerns about key bills, slowing a slight fall from the first wave of research but still significant concerns including: 31% of people concerned about utility bills; 31% concerned about rent and 27% concerned about mortgage payments.
CAS said the concerns around income show the extent of financial uncertainty people continue to feel amid the outbreak.
The charity’s financial health spokesperson Myles Fitt said: “All across Scotland the coronavirus outbreak has fundamentally changed the way of life for people.
“What advisers across the Citizens Advice network were seeing before Covid-19 was the issue of people struggling to pay for key bills as a result of a lack of income in the first place. With over 40% of people in our survey concerned about their income, there is a real risk the pandemic makes this a more serious issue for a larger group of people.
“Both the Scottish and UK governments, as well as industry regulators, have taken significant steps to ease the short term pressure on people meeting the costs of daily living. Our message to people is that support is there and to access the support you are entitled to.
“Across the country the Citizens Advice network has adapted to these changed circumstances, with CABs across the country still delivering advice in these challenging times, either on the phone or electronically by local advisers. The network has also established a national helpline and people can check our online advice.”
Mark Diffley, director of MDCR which designed and conducted the polling, said: “The second wave of our poll with CAS confirms the lasting financial burden faced by many Scots as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“While the data illustrates that financial concern is being experienced by people across the length and breadth of the country, it is clear again that concern is not felt equally.
“Data from the second wave of the poll shows a fall in overall levels of concern around several financial issues. This may reflect the use of one or more of the government schemes aimed to ease financial burdens. However, the continued scale of the financial concern being faced by many Scots should alert policy and decision makers to the fact that there is likely to be deep and long-term hardship for many.”
