The SNP has accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of “failing working families” and demanded urgent action to tackle the cost of living crisis as Labour marks one year in government.
Ahead of Reeves’ speech at the Labour Party Conference, SNP Economy Spokesperson Dave Doogan MP said the Chancellor had broken key pledges and left voters facing rising bills, falling incomes, and growing economic insecurity.
He warned the UK had “gone from bad to worse” under Labour, citing new polling that shows Reeves is now the least popular Chancellor on record.
“The cost of living is soaring, unemployment is rising, the economy has been downgraded, and families are being hammered by energy bills and food prices,” said Doogan.
He accused Reeves of “betraying trust” by cutting the winter fuel payment, reducing support for disabled people, and maintaining the two-child cap on benefits.
At the same time, the Chancellor is expected to announce a package of public spending cuts and tax rises in the autumn as the government tries to plug what many economists call a growing black hole in public finances.
Doogan said voters were promised change but had received more of the same:
“After all the mistakes, the Chancellor must urgently act to put money back in people’s pockets, including by reducing bills and taking real steps to tackle child poverty.”
According to polling by Norstat for the Sunday Times, the SNP has extended its lead in Scotland to 17 points, while Labour has fallen behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Separate surveys show a sharp loss of confidence in Labour leadership across the UK, with Ipsos MORI and YouGov reporting that 72% of voters think Prime Minister Keir Starmer is doing badly, and 82% believe the UK is in a poor state.
Doogan said the polling reflects growing public disillusionment with Westminster:
“Voters won’t forgive the Labour Party for its broken promises and its disastrous mismanagement of the economy in its first year.”
The SNP claims Scotland is already delivering stronger cost-of-living support, citing the Scottish Child Payment, free school meals, and expanded childcare.
“While Labour descends into crisis and chaos, the SNP is delivering the best support anywhere in the UK and offering a real alternative with independence,” Doogan said.
With the Labour Party’s conference under way and pressure mounting on Reeves to reset the economic narrative, the Chancellor faces growing calls to rebuild public trust and offer meaningful relief for households across the UK.
