Tories 'failing families' as 11 million struggle to pay bills

The SNP has said the Tory government is "failing families" - as new figures show almost 11 million UK adults are struggling to pay their bills and debts.

Research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), published today, shows 11% of adults had missed a bill or loan payment in at least three of the previous six months, and 3.1 million more people faced difficulties in January than they did in May last year.

The FCA research also found 29% of adults with a mortgage and 34% of renters had seen their payments increase in the six months to January this year.

It comes as UK inflation hit 10.1% last month - with UK food inflation at 19.1%, the highest levels since the 1970s, and UK interest rates rising for the twelfth consecutive time to 4.5%.

Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson David Linden MP said:

"The Tories trashed the UK economy - and now they are failing families as millions of people struggle to pay their bills in the face of the Westminster cost of living crisis.

"This crisis has been made significantly worse through years of Tory cuts, Brexit and economic mismanagement - showing why Scotland needs to become an independent country and escape Westminster control for good.

"The UK government must finally deliver a comprehensive package of support to help struggling families right now - but only the full powers of independence will enable Scotland to escape the damage of Brexit and boost household incomes.

"The SNP is the only party offering a real alternative to Westminster decline. At the next election, voting SNP is the best way to beat the Tories in Scotland and the only way to secure real change with independence."