WARNINGS OVER IMPACT OF COALITION WELFARE CUTS ON ECONOMY

SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson, Eilidh Whiteford MP, has seized on a report produced by the Scottish Local Government Forum Against Poverty (SLGFAP) and Rights Advice Scotland (RAS) which reveals the economic impact of the UK Government’s rushed welfare reforms.

The report, “People, Councils, the Economy”, published today (Wednesday) reveals that Con Dem Coalition’s decision to change Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Housing Benefit, freeze Child Benefit and increase other benefits, allowances and public sector pensions by the Consumer Price Index instead of the Retail Price Index would take between £514million and £614million from the Scottish economy every year - directly jeopardising 14,000 jobs.

Commenting, Dr Whiteford said:

“This report demonstrates the wider impact on the economy of the Con/Dem coalitions rushed benefit reforms which look increasingly look like an attack on the poorest and most vulnerable in society.

“While reform is necessary, it must be done carefully and decisions on entitlements based on medical need.

“We simply must not have cuts for the sake of cuts. Not only would that risk forcing the truly vulnerable in society into a perilous position, it also takes vital capital out of the economy without consideration of the impact.”

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EQUITABLE POLICY-HOLDERS LET DOWN FOR FAR TOO LONG - MP

Speaking up for Banff & Buchan’s Equitable Life policy holders local MP Dr Eilidh Whiteford, along with SNP colleagues, is calling for the Government to stop prevaricating and pay up.

During a debate on the Equitable Life (Payment) Bill the SNP has called for a clear deadline for the delivery of a fair compensation scheme for policyholders.

Commenting Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

“After over a decade of delay and uncertainty, it is time for the government to stop prevaricating and pay up. While progress on the Bill is a welcome step forward, the government have still given no real detail, and we need a clear timeline for the delivery of the compensation scheme.

“The Parliamentary Ombudsman has been highly critical of the Government’s serious failure to properly regulate Equitable Life and, consequently, the Government are required to compensate policy holders.

“Ministers must end the delay and uncertainty. It is disgraceful that the last Labour government left policyholders waiting for justice for so long, indeed, thousands have died since this process began.

“UK Ministers must bring forward a scheme to compensate all those who have suffered through the UK Government’s regulatory failures. They have had the summer recess to draw up a timescale for delivery of compensation but have failed to do so.

“We need a speedy and fair resolution to this saga from the new Government. Policy Holders have been let down for far too long.”

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APPROACH BENEFIT REFORM ‘WITH CARE’ – SNP MP

Commenting on reports that Chancellor George Osborne is planning to reduce the annual welfare bill by a further £4bn, SNP Work and Pensions spokesperson, Dr Eilidh Whiteford, warned that benefit reforms must be based on genuine medical evidence.

Dr Whiteford said:

“The benefits system badly needs reform but it must be undertaken with care.

“While supporting benefit reform, genuinely vulnerable individuals must not become an easy target for Conservative and Liberal cuts.

“There are already huge questions over the assessment process with people undergoing chemotherapy, in some cases terminally ill people, being ordered to attend back-to-work interviews.

“Return-to-work initiatives can benefit both the economy and the individual, but people should only return to the workplace when they are genuinely able and when correct support measures are available.

“Existing safeguards are not working and, with major reforms in the pipeline, we need real guarantees to ensure that that people living with genuine incapacity and ill health are spared added stress and uncertainty.”

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LOCAL MP TO START FIRST-EVER PETERHEAD HALF-MARATHON

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford will officially start Peterhead's first-ever half-marathon on Sunday 12 September at 11.00am at The Pavilion, Catto Park, Peterhead.

Peterhead JogScotland has organised the event as part of Buchan's Larder Food Festival and all proceeds are being donated to the Scottish Spina Bifida Association. Chairman of Peterhead JogScotland Stephen Bruce invited Dr Whiteford to officiate and the MP will be assisted in this duty by two local spina bifida sufferers.

Previewing the event, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:

"Stephen Bruce and his dedicated team at Peterhead JogScotland have really put Peterhead on the jogging map with what they have achieved here.

"I'm delighted to be invited to be part of this extremely worthwhile event and I hope that the weather is kind to the many entrants who I know will be coming from all over the North of Scotland and beyond to take part and raise funds for the Scottish Spina Bifida Association."

For further information or to register please visit www.peterheadjogscotland.com/events.php

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