Cole-Hamilton highlights cost of living impact on charity visit

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today visited the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home to hear about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and highlight the need for action to tackle the crisis.

The Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home works with 87 pet food bank providers across East and Central Scotland, providing meals to pet owners who would otherwise not be able to afford to feed their beloved pets with one user warning: “I have been missing meals myself to make sure my two dogs were being fed, thanks to the Larder and the Dog and Cat Home, I can eat as well now. Without the food provision support I would have to give up my two dogs which would be terrible – my pets are key to my mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.”

In recent years, the Home has also faced an eye watering 800% rise in energy bills, an issue raised by Mr Cole-Hamilton in Parliament.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“It’s great to visit the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, spend some time with the four-legged residents and learn about their work to help people and pets in need.

“The cost of living crisis has put far too many families and communities under huge pressure. Whether its paying bills or ensuring everyone gets fed, spiralling energy costs and SNP and Conservative economic mismanagement have hit people hard.

“Liberal Democrats want to put more money in your pocket by cutting energy bills through an emergency home energy upgrade programme and a tax on the enormous profits of the oil and gas giants. We also want to ensure proper support is in place for those who need it by removing the two-child limit and the benefit cap, protecting pensioners through the triple lock and increasing Carers' Allowance by £1,040 a year.

“Every vote for the Liberal Democrats in this election is one for a fair deal for hard pressed households and their beloved pets.”