Westminster Welfare Cuts Hitting Women and Children the Hardest

Banff & Buchan MP and SNP Westminster spokesperson on Work & Pensions Eilidh Whiteford has condemned the UK Government’s discriminatory welfare reforms as fresh analysis has revealed that women will lose out the most due to Westminster’s changes to the benefits system.

The report, published today by the Scottish Government, highlights how key changes implemented in the Welfare Reform Act 2012 will disproportionately affect women and families, including the slashing of Child Benefit, reduction in the proportion of childcare costs covered by Working Tax Credit, and the overall benefit cap, of which 60 per cent of those affected by the change are single female households.

Commenting on the report, Eilidh Whiteford said:

“This report is extremely troubling. The UK Government’s benefits cuts are now shown to disproportionately affect women, particularly mothers and their children – one of the sections of our society that we should be protecting most.

“From tax credit changes to child benefit cuts and benefits disqualification, those who need support the most are being made to pay the price for Westminster’s economic incompetence.

“It doesn’t have to be this way, and it shouldn’t be this way. Scotland has already made its opposition to these welfare cuts absolutely clear, and a majority of Scots believe that the Scottish Government would be best at deciding welfare policy for Scotland. An SNP Government in an independent Scotland would abolish these discriminatory cuts and ensure that women and families get the support they need.”

The Scottish Government’s welfare reform analysis can be found at:

www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform

YouGov (Fieldwork: 20th-22nd March 2013)
Sample size: 1105 Scottish adults

Which government do you think would be best at deciding welfare and pensions policy for Scotland?

The UK government - 34%
The Scottish government - 53%
Don't know - 13%

Whiteford Opens Peterhead Family History Fair

Local MP Eilidh Whiteford officially opened the Family History & Heritage Fair on the final day of Peterhead Scottish Week. The event, which was held in the Apex Church Centre, was judged to be a great success by the organisers.

Eilidh was asked to open the event by the Family History Society of Buchan and the day brought together organisations such as the Buchan Heritage Society, Peterhead RAF Association, Aberdeenshire Museums & Libraries and the local Registrars’ Office to provide a one-stop shop for anyone interested in genealogy and local history.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“Ancestral tourism is becoming increasingly popular and we are already seeing an increase in that locally thanks to the efforts of the Family History Society of Buchan.

“This event, the first of its kind in Peterhead, has been a huge success and the organisers and those who took part on the day deserve congratulations for their efforts."

After opening the event, Eilidh spent around an hour touring various exhibitions chatting to the stallholders.

MP Hails Gardenstown Habour Gala Success

Banff & Buchan MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford performed the official opening at Gardenstown Harbour Gala at the weekend amid glorious sunshine.

Eilidh Whiteford MP with
Gardenstown Harbour Trustees
Chairman Michael Watt

The annual gala, held at the village harbour, is an important event in the local calendar and helps to raise a huge sum towards the upkeep of the harbour, which is entirely managed and maintained by local volunteers, and support for other community groups.

Commenting, Eilidh said:

“I’m really pleased that Gamrie scored with the weather on Saturday and saw a tremendous crowd turn out for this important event.

“It’s sometimes very easy to take for granted the work which must go on all year round in our local communities carried out by local volunteers, and Gardenstown is very fortunate to have a highly committed and dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to maintain the harbour, and other community amenities.

“I was honoured to be invited to open the gala and I’m delighted to hear that over £7000 was raised. My congratulations to everyone who helped make the day such a huge success.”