Hyslop Condemns Tory Benefit Caps Affecting 268 Households in West Lothian
Fiona Hyslop MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency has criticised the heartless UK Government cuts that is driving child poverty and dependence on foodbanks in West Lothian.
Hundreds of West Lothian families have seen their incomes cut by the Conservative Government benefit cap, new figures have revealed – with 169 out of the 268 households affected being single parent families.
Fiona said,
“It is devastating to see the impact Tory austerity is having on hundreds of families across West Lothian and I am pleased that Britain’s biggest foodbank charity has called on the UK Government to halt the roll-out of Universal Credit as foodbank use in Scotland is up by 15% on this time last year.
“It is simply unacceptable that 268 families are being affected by the UK Government’s callous cuts, particularly those – some 169 people – who come from single parent households. 29 of these households are losing more than £100 a week.
“Our welfare system should be a safety net for those in need, not punish the poorest who are already struggling. With our limited powers in Scotland, the SNP in government are determined to build a social security system built on dignity and respect. It’s time the Scottish Parliament is handed the powers needed to create a fairer Scotland that’s ready to tackle the causes of inequality.“
ENDS
Notes: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/benefit-cap-number-of-households-capped-to-august-2018 & attached