CCR-PUBLICSECTOR CCR-PS


VULNERABLE SCOTS WILL BE PUSHED FURTHER INTO DEBT


The UK government’s proposed £12bn cuts to benefits will cause even further problems for those in Scotland who are already feeling the effects of austerity measures By Alex Neil


carries out proposed £12bn cuts to benefits. I am worried that Scotland’s most vulnerable people would be pushed further into poverty and desperation. The Scottish Government


I


commissioned Edinburgh Napier University to produce the Welfare Reform Tracking Study which showed that many people accessing benefits are living in constant fear of further cuts. The study, which looks at on-going


changes to working-age benefits, revealed all respondents, including those in work, found themselves in very difficult financial situations and therefore felt an underlying sense of ‘precariousness’. Many were anxious


am very concerned about the further suffering and negative impact that will be caused if the UK government


that changes to their circumstances or entitlements would push them into crisis situations. In addition to this, many participants


said they received poor, and sometimes conflicting, communications from benefits agencies, and there was a lack of clarity over information that was provided, bringing extra stress and uncertainty. Disabled participants also felt they


had to present themselves in a negative light and focus on their limitations rather than their capabilities, while the challenges of work capability assessments and repeat assessments for people with permanent disabilities were also highlighted. The findings of the study outlined


exactly why the UK government should urgently rethink their plans to further cut the welfare budget.


The UK government’s austerity agenda


and benefit cuts are having a very damaging effect on people in Scotland. Their approach is slashing the incomes of some of our poorest households and pushing 100,000 children into poverty. The Welfare Reform Tracking Study is


further evidence that people are living in constant anxiety about changes to their entitlements and are already suffering from the effects of around £6bn of cuts taken from Scottish welfare expenditure over the last five years. This is hugely concerning as the UK government should be looking to lift people out of poverty not push them further into it. Despite these frustrations we will


do all we can to use our new powers to make our system fairer and simpler and work to improve the experience for people.


14


www.CCR-PublicSector.com


June 2015


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