Committee asks whether women have been disproportionately affected by welfare cuts

How Westminster’s welfare reforms have impacted on women is to be the focus of a new inquiry by the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee.

Evidence seen by MSPs has suggested that women are being disproportionately affected and research recently published by the committee highlighted that lone parents have been severely impacted upon.

The committee now launched a call for views on individuals and organisations’ experiences on how women have been affected by the changes.

Committee convener Michael McMahon MSP explained: “Previous research conducted for the committee has shown a significant impact on lone parents. That suggests there is likely to be a wider impact on large numbers of women, a view put forward by Professor Steve Fothergill at our meeting this week.

“Our committee has put personal experiences at the heart of our work.

"This inquiry will be no different and we would like to hear from people across Scotland on how welfare changes have impacted their life.”

Clare Adamson MSP, deputy convener, added: “Our committee has previously revealed the devastating impact of welfare reform on Scotland’s communities.

“The committee has already heard first-hand testimony from women in Scotland on the challenges faced by many in light of the UK government’s welfare reforms. We know there are many other women out there with experiences to share and I would encourage them to get in touch with us.”