PEOPLE face the prospect of freezing or starving this winter amid the cost-of-living crisis, a charity has warned.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) said that soaring energy bills are driving “frightening” demand for advice on food insecurity.

The advice charity warned that it is already seeing a rise ahead of a “toxic cocktail” this winter of soaring energy bills, growing inflation and higher interest rates and raised concerns about how people will manage later in the year.

The group’s latest analysis noted significant growth for demand for cost-of-living-related advice in areas such as utilities and food insecurity.

Year-on-year demand for cost-of-living utility advice was up from 26 per cent to 35 per cent, while demand for food insecurity advice rose from 36 per cent to 45 per cent.

CAS chief Derek Mitchell said: “What we are seeing is frankly frightening.

“More than one in every 10 people seeking help with an energy issue also requires help with food insecurity. 

“Let’s be absolutely clear what that means: some people face the prospect of freezing or starving this winter.

“This crisis is affecting everyone, but some people are especially at risk: our data shows higher demand for advice from council tenants, those out of work and those unable to work. 

“That, to me, suggests broad support alone will not be enough: there needs to be targeted help for the vulnerable.

“People are hanging on by their fingertips and it’s the summer — how are they expected to cope when the temperature drops and bills rise?”

The charity said that more than one in 10 of the utility cases it deals with also see a client need foodbank advice.