We are facing a cost of living crisis — and it’s one that will affect every household in Tayside and Fife.
We want to explore what rising food and energy prices mean for local people in the weeks and months to come – and look at how we can best ride out the storm.
And we want to share your stories and provide practical guidance and tips to help you cope with the economic turmoil.
With household budgets already taking a battering, almost half of Scottish parents say they are now finding it harder to make ends meet.
Yet the Bank of England has warned inflation is likely to hit an eye-watering 7.25% in April.
And when you add in increasing rent and mortgage payments and rising taxes, many purse strings will be stretched to breaking point.
Cost of living increase: It’s already hurting
We have already spoken to some householders to find out how they are coping with the rising cost of living.
And we’ve also talked to energy advisers and pensioners’ groups.
We are facing a nightmare scenario in the spring.”
Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell
Citizens’ Advice in Perth is already reporting a 40% increase in the number of people seeking help with utility bills.
And a Perthshire debt expert has predicted a “tsunami of need” when fuel bills rise in April.
With belts tightening across the nation, we have also looked at how Tayside and Fife homes were coping before the crisis hit.
Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “We are facing a nightmare scenario in the spring as the rising cost of living and increases in energy bills collide with flat or falling incomes.
“People are holding on by their fingertips.”
Share your cost of living story
We want to hear your stories about how your household will be hit by the rising cost of living.
We’d also like to hear any helpful hints about how to keep bills down in the weeks and months ahead. You can get in touch by emailing community@thecourier.co.uk.
Support is available from a number of groups, including Citizens Advice Bureaux in Dundee, Angus, Perth and Fife.
