The number of households in the Highlands hit by the Tory government’s ‘harmful’ benefit cap has soared by 95% since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
New statistics show that as of May this year, a total of 6,034 households in Scotland were hit by the benefit cap – an increase of almost 76 per cent.
In the Highlands around 195 households saw the money they received cut by this policy.
Shelter Scotland has warned that the controversial benefit cap, which the SNP has called to be scrapped, is forcing families into poverty during this Coronavirus crisis.
Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd (pictured) said:
“Austerity is having a devastating impact on thousands of families in the Highlands and across Scotland, with vulnerable people hit hard by the benefit cap, as well as a host of other Tory welfare cuts.
“The SNP has long called for an end to the benefit cap, which hits families with children hardest, and leaves people in the Highlands worrying about how they’ll pay rent or put food on the table.
“In government, the SNP has done everything it can to support those hit by the benefit cap – but as long as the key levers remain in the hands of Westminster, we are fighting poverty with one hand tied behind our backs.
“Now, more than ever, these shocking figures must serve as a wake-up call to Boris Johnson and his government.
“If they were really serious about improving the lives of people in the Highlands, they would scrap this harmful policy now.”
