Warning that Scots can't tolerate any more welfare cuts
Thirteen of Scotland’s biggest charities, anti-poverty groups and welfare campaigners have warned the UK government that further welfare cuts will signal a financial death knell for vulnerable Scots.
Iain Duncan Smith announced £12 billion more cuts are set to be announced in July’s budget statement with the biggest burden likely to fall on families in work, those providing unpaid care and people with disabilities.
The groups warn in an open letter that the UK government’s measures have already cut into the lives of those they serve, both those in work and those not in employment, and that further hardship is not an option.
The letter is signed by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Shelter Scotland, Citizens Advice Scotland, the Church of Scotland, Oxfam Scotland, Barnardo’s Scotland, the Poverty Alliance, Child Poverty Action Group Scotland, One Parent Families Scotland, Trussell Trust, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, the Scottish Trades Union Congress and Inclusion Scotland.
It is hard to see how cutting social security can be achieved without severely affecting those least able to cope
As the UK is one the “wealthiest countries on the planet”, the groups say they are resolutely agreed that children, women, young people, disabled people and those on low incomes should not bear the brunt of the government's continued spending programme.
They state: “If the axe does fall on tax credits – as signalled by the prime minister last Monday – then without concrete steps to raise the pay rates of the poorest it would mean yet more pain for working families on the lowest incomes.
“In 2013/14, around 350,000 families in Scotland relied on tax credits to boost their household incomes, including more than 500,000 children.
“Despite a slight fall in the most recent figures, there are still 210,000 children living in relative poverty in Scotland after housing costs and we are deeply concerned that cutting tax credits risks increasing this shameful figure.
“It could also force more families to use emergency food aid – further exacerbating an alarming trend which research has found to be linked to recent changes and cuts to welfare.”
And, say the organisations, the fact that restrictions to carer’s benefits and cuts to disability benefits do not yet appear to be off the table must also be of concern to all citizens.
David Cameron has ruled out touching benefits for elderly people and child benefit, meaning the bulk of the savings will have to come from other working-age welfare payments.
The groups believe the most likely cuts therefore are restrictions on child tax credits and housing benefit.
The letter adds: “It is hard to see how cutting social security and protection further can be achieved without severely affecting many of those least able to cope.
“We will continue to stand with the individuals and families whom we support and advocate for on a daily basis.
“We must ensure everyone is able to fully participate in society and in our economy.”
