TRADE union bosses are stepping up their campaign against the soaring cost of living as the council elections loom.

The renewed plea for action comes from Irvine and North Ayrshire Trades Council, who are continuing their crusade against the ever-increasing hits on the budgets of so many families.

They have been leafleting a number of areas calling for government action to help hard pressed household budgets.

Jim McDaid, chair of the Trades Council, said: “We are well aware from our public work that many households are struggling to put food on the table and pay bills.”

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He added that the Trades Council are demanding a windfall tax on big energy companies and for the money raised to be used to reduce household energy bills.

They have also been calling for more resources to be given to Scottish local authorities to build affordable housing and have called for the “disgusting” cut of £20 a week in Universal Credit made at the end of 2021 to be restored as soon as possible.

Mr McDaid said: “The cut in Universal Credit made at the end of 2021 was frankly disgusting and had a severe impact on many households.”

The Trades Council will be continuing with locally based leafleting and street stalls over the next few weeks in the build up to a Trade Union supported National Day of Action on Saturday, June 21.