Todd says government social security cuts will push Caithness families on benefits into poverty
MSP Maree Todd has urged the UK Labour Government to reverse its damaging social security reforms, which risk pushing many Caithness residents into poverty.
In the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP confirmed that £4.8 billion would be cut from welfare benefits by 2029/30.
The Labour UK Government’s impact assessment shows that 3.2 million families will see a financial loss as a result of these cuts, with an average loss of £1720 per year. The DWP's analysis has shown that their welfare cuts will push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.
Labour’s welfare reforms will also mean 800,000 people are blocked from receiving disability benefits, costing them an estimated £4,500 a year.
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Government debate on UK Government welfare reforms, Maree Todd MSP said: “The devastating impact of austerity is well documented – we’re still living with the consequences of the Tory-Lib Dem coalition’s austerity policies over a decade on. These cuts deepened inequality, pushed families to the brink, and, in some of the hardest-hit communities, shortened lives.
“Research published just last year shows a clear and alarming link between UK Government austerity policies since 2010 and a rise in preterm and low birthweight babies, particularly in the most deprived communities.
“Instead of learning from the past, the current UK Labour Government appears determined on heading down the same path. It’s a political choice – and one that will have real and lasting consequences for the most vulnerable in our society.”
Maree Todd MSP adds: “Alongside building a fairer, more compassionate social security system, the SNP Scottish Government will spend £210 million this financial year just to mitigate the impact of UK Government welfare decisions – including covering the impact of the cut to Winter Fuel Payment.
“With many of the key powers needed to tackle poverty reserved to the UK Government, the Scottish Government is constantly fighting against devastating cuts from successive governments.
“These cuts threaten the progress we’re making to reduce poverty in Scotland, and I’m deeply concerned about the harm they will cause to my constituents across Caithness, Sutherland and Ross.
“The UK Labour Government must urgently reverse its decision to target the most vulnerable and instead focus on supporting, not punishing, those who need help the most.”