Crunch Welfare Vote

Changes to the welfare system will make poor children poorer, that's the warning from Nationalist MPs.

As part of plans to save £12 billion, the Chancellor wants to freeze working age benefits for four years. George Osborne has also proposed limiting tax credits to two children who are born after April 2017.

SNP MPs are urging the UK government to abandon the plans ahead of a vote. The call is being backed by politicians north of the border.

Annabelle Ewing, MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife, said: “The shocking reality of the UK Government’s budget is that it will widen the poverty gap and push more families into desperate situations.

“To date, the UK Government’s austerity agenda has led to unacceptable levels of inequality, including child poverty, with the Institute of Fiscal Studies reporting this week that two thirds of children in poverty live in working households.

““Tax credits can be a lifeline for families on low incomes that rely on them to get through daily life, put food on the table, heat their home and pay their bills.

“By cutting tax credits, households across Scotland will be faced with nearly £700 million cuts and additional worries and stress about caring for their families.

“That is an intolerable burden on families in Fife and I echo the call of my colleagues urging the Secretary of State for Scotland to call a halt to the UK Government’s inexcusable attack on low-paid families.

“The SNP has been calling for more powers over social security and this Budget shows exactly why the Scotland Bill does not go far enough.“