Low-income families face soaring rent

LOW-INCOME households in the Lothians will have to find an average of £100 a month more to pay their rent as a result of benefit cuts, according to charity, Shelter Scotland.

The Local Housing Allowance is paid to low-income households who rent privately, but many have to top up the rent with cash of their own.

The charity says cuts in the allowance mean the average three-bedroom household in the Lothians will see an 11 per cent drop in the amount they receive, and will need to find an extra 23 a week.

Shelter Scotland director, Graeme Brown, said: "Many will now be forced to cut back on essentials like food and electricity, or take on extra debt, just to make ends meet."