'I've had my electricity cut three times', people struggling with cost of living speak out

dailyrecord.co.uk:

People from around West Lothian have been sharing their stories of struggling to cope amid soaring bills.They have been telling local charities and community leaders what it feels like to be at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis.Alan Masterton (64) who lives in Broxburn, was among many people who joined charity bosses and community leaders at a special event held by The Larder.He told how, unable to work for the last few years due to a back injury, he’s struggled to make ends meet and hasn’t had enough money to pay for electricity.Speaking to the Courier, Alan said: “I’m really struggling, I’ve had my electricity cut off three times this year already.“I have had a lot of help from The Bridge Community Project in getting two or three of my debts stopped altogether, because there was no way I was able to pay them.“The Government has finally got their act together with this payment to help with our electricity, that will help a lot.“I was one who said I can’t go to a foodbank because it was so embarrassing.

But now just about three quarters of the population are using one and I’m not embarrassed anymore. It’s a lifeline.“But there are only so many [food parcels] you can get a year and I understand that especially as some of them are having to pay for things, the shops aren’t giving them away for nothing, but you might not be able to get help again for another six months.“I’m grateful for anything I can get, but there’s just not the charity there was.

People can’t afford to help anymore.”Alan continued saying even after he receives his benefits, he often doesn’t have enough money to get him through the month.He continued: “Rent isn’t too much of an issue, it’s just everything else I’m dealing with.“I’ve had the