Speaking in a debate on the impact of proposed changes to housing benefit this evening, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson Dr Eilidh Whiteford MP warned that changes would hit already hard-pressed families.
Dr Whiteford said:
“These are the wrong cuts being made at the worst time, and will hit low-paid households the hardest.
“Tory and LibDem Ministers either do not care or do not understand the impact that these cuts will have on families across Scotland who will be left worse off at an already difficult time. There is no doubt that in some circumstances people will be made homeless as a result of these changes.
“The Tory/Lib Dem coalition have their priorities all wrong – they should be focusing on supporting recovery and job creation, instead of spending cuts which are too fast and too deep and will actually destroy employment.
“Yes, we must look at how best we can reform the benefits system, but such reforms must be undertaken with care and common sense.
“The Tory/Lib Dem assumption does appear to be that everybody on benefits is somehow cheating the system or work-shy – what the Con/Dem coalition should be working on most is creating real jobs.
“While the coalition cuts services and support, the SNP is the only party with a clear commitment to protect family incomes. By freezing the council tax, delivering the living wage to NHS and government employees and turning the unfair policies of successive Labour, Lib Dem and Tory Westminster administrations into a fair system for the people of Scotland.”