THOUSANDS of families across Scotland are being forced into poverty as a result of UK welfare cuts, according to new analysis by the Scottish Government due to be published today.
The annual Welfare Reform report suggests that the UK Government’s benefit freeze alone has led to huge reductions in spending – around £190 million in the current year 2018/2019, rising to around £370m by 2020/21.
It also warns of further cuts to welfare, with social security spending in Scotland is expected to have reduced by £3.7 billion since 2010. The report has also found that Universal Credit claimants are over six times as likely to be sanctioned as claimants of any
other legacy benefit, and young men are the most likely to be sanctioned.
Commenting on the figures, Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “These figures in this comprehensive report lay bare the devastating impact of the UK Government’s welfare cuts for people, families and communities across Scotland.
“As ever it is the poorest and most vulnerable in our society who are suffering the most, those out of work and those in low paid employment finding their benefits effectively being cut year after year.
“The Scottish Government is doing what we can to protect people on lower incomes by, this year alone, investing over £125m on mitigation measures - £20m more than last year – and an additional £350m for Council Tax Reduction.
“Over the coming years, we will use our new social security powers to provide increased financial support for people on low incomes, including the Best Start Grant, the Job Grant and Carers Allowance Supplement.
“We will also continue to promote the living wage, invest in housing and tackle child poverty as we continue to provide support to Scotland’s low income families and communities.”
Earlier this week, Chancellor Phillip Hammond said this year’s budget would be released on October 29, to avoid clashing with Brexit negotiations.
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