43-year old Alison is a single parent who works 33 hours per week, in two different jobs, to provide for herself and her daughter. She says, “I work as a housekeeper and a cleaner. For one of my jobs, while I really like the company I work for, I’m earning just above the minimum wage. Trying to bridge the gap between my earnings and the rent, and our increased Council Tax bill, is difficult. I absolutely want to contribute and pay my taxes, but on a low income, it’s not easy. Last summer, I had to sell my car. I just couldn’t manage the running costs. Without it, I have to use the local supermarkets, which are more expensive. I’ve worked really hard to keep up with rising costs, but it’s a struggle.”