Categories: News

Highlands & Islands MSP says standard of living in the UK has plummeted under Tory power

Highlands & Islands MSP Emma Roddick has said that the failure of the Tories to support low-income households has seen the standard of living for many in the UK plummet.

Ms Roddick’s statement comes following research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Trussell Trust which found that UK benefits are falling at least £140 a month short of the real cost of food, energy, and everyday basics.

She said:

“The UK Government’s failure to adequately fund its benefits system and support our most vulnerable is an absolute disgrace.

“Folk are being pushed into destitution and into using foodbanks in one of the richest countries in the world because of Tory inaction, incompetence, and – let’s face it – indifference.

“The Scottish Government is doing all it can to mitigate harmful UK welfare policy through its range of fair and compassionate benefits, such as the Scottish Child Payment which is actively lifting children out of poverty.

“We are, however, fighting against a tide of continuous and unforgiving UK welfare cuts.

“With the full powers of independence, we could continue to deliver a progressive approach to social security without the shackles of a government elsewhere that is insistent on pushing its people further into poverty.”

 Notes

Emma Roddick MSP

Recent Posts

Roddick presses for debate on Raigmore Hospital capacity

Emma Roddick, MSP for Inverness and Nairn, has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament…

4 weeks ago

Emma Roddick uses first question to press Scottish Government for urgent update on Nairn Bypass

The Scottish Government must provide clarity on the timeline for the A96 Nairn Bypass to…

1 month ago

Roddick welcomes mobile phone ban following Inverness voyeurism reports

The SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Emma Roddick, has welcomed the Scottish National Party’s…

2 months ago

Highlands and Northern Isles set to benefit from over half a million in climate action funding

The Climate Hub for the Highlands is set to benefit from over half a million…

3 months ago

Roddick brings Highland voices to the table on motorhome levy

“It is about being honest about the challenges we face and caring for the long-term…

3 months ago

Highlands and Islands MSP presses government to protect access to National Performing Companies

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has called on the Scottish Government to ensure that…

3 months ago