Cops 'struggling' with cost of living turn to food banks

HARD-UP police officers in Scotland are resorting to food banks and second jobs amid the cost of living crisis, it is claimed.

- BY MARY WRIGHT

Union leaders warn shrinking real-terms pay is hitting younger officers and those with families or large monthly outgoings the hardest, with rising costs on everyday essential, housing, transport and heating piling pressure on incomes.

That was before the economic shock triggered by the war involving Iran which has sent heating and fuel costs surging, with warnings food prices, mortgages and borrowing costs are also being driven up, intensifying the crisis.

Inflation-busting council tax increases of up to 10%, along with expiring fixed-rate mortgage deals, have contributed to dramatic rises in monthly outgoings.

Scores of officers are said to be turning to food banks, mirroring trends in other parts of the UK, with a survey showing 8% of Met Police officers in London admitted doing the same with almost 30% skipping meals to save money.

Research has shown around 1500 Police Scotland officers have taken on second jobs to top up earnings.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) representing rank and file officers said they were aware of "increasing financial pressures" on officers across the country.