Tale of two governments as ideological Tory assault on the poor continues
New figures show 84,000 families have been helped across Scotland so far this year by £35 million funding which the Scottish Government has provided to support those hit by the Tory Bedroom Tax.
Michael Matheson MSP yesterday (Tuesday) welcomed the figures – which came just a day after UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith signalled the ideological Tory assault on the poor and most vulnerable in our society is set to continue with further cuts to support for disabled people.
Commenting, Michael said:
“I welcome these new figures which show that the Scottish Government has helped nearly 3,000 families hit by Tory Bedroom Tax in Falkirk so far this year. The Scottish Government is providing £35 million to help mitigate against this unfair, deeply unpopular tax across the country. This support – as part of the Scottish Welfare Fund – is helping those hit hardest by the ideological Tory assault on the least well off people in society.
“This week Iain Duncan Smith has made clear that that he intends to further cut support for disabled people. While the Scottish Government works to support the most vulnerable, the Tories are intent on showing time and time again that they cannot be trusted on the issues which matter most to the people of Falkirk, and the people of Scotland, including welfare.
“This highlights exactly why the Scottish Parliament needs full powers over the welfare state. We must have the powers to enable us to support and empower people – rather than pushing more people into poverty like the Tories continue to do.
“Iain Duncan Smith hides from answering questions at Scotland’s Parliament – but the sooner he comes here to explain his seemingly unending austerity agenda, which makes life so difficult for so many vulnerable and hardworking Scots, the better.”
