Rising cost of living in Scotland to be explored by MPs
The Scottish Affairs Committee will be holding its first evidence session as part of its ‘Cost of living: impact on rural communities in Scotland’ inquiry.
This first evidence session, which will include witnesses across two panels, will examine the impact of rising energy costs on rural, remote and/or isolated communities in Scotland.
Meeting details
Across the UK, rural areas tend to have lower levels of poverty overall, but in Scotland costs of energy, fuel, food and travel are must greater in rural areas. The Scottish Government has previously said that the costs of living in Scotland are around 20-65% higher than the UK average. As a result of the higher costs of everyday essentials, attaining a minimum acceptable standard of living in rural Scotland can cost 15-30% more than urban parts of the UK.
The likely issues the Committee will discuss with witnesses include the following:
- The unique challenges facing remote, and isolated areas of Scotland and the impact of the rising cost of living on those communities;
- The challenges facing those who are living off-grid or using alternative fuels in the home;
- The impact of the rising cost of living on mental and physical health;
- UK Government support – and support from charities – for those living in Scotland, and whether people living in rural communities are aware of the help.