THE SNP have warned the Tory government “must deliver help for all those who need it” in the UK Budget – with family homes and incomes under dire threat from the Tory economic crisis.
Ahead of the UK Budget, SNP shadow chancellor Alison Thewliss challenged the Chancellor to ensure middle and low-income families are properly protected with energy bill support and a mortgage crisis fund to stop families from defaulting or falling into unsustainable debt.
It comes amid reports household energy bills could rise to an average of £3000 to £4000 from April, while think tank the Resolution Foundation warned of a huge “cliff edge” for those just over the threshold for social security benefits.
Commenting, Thewliss said: “The Tories have trashed the UK economy with Brexit and twelve years of mismanagement – and millions of families are paying an increasingly painful price.
“There is no doubt that those on the lowest incomes must get the most support at the UK Budget – but the Tories must deliver help for all those who need it – not abandon those families and householders who are also struggling to get by.
“The Tory economic crisis has seen mortgage costs soar, energy bills double, and prices in the shops go through the roof – leaving family homes and incomes under threat.
“The SNP is clear the Chancellor must help those on the lowest incomes by increasing benefits and pensions with inflation, introducing a real living wage, and following Scotland’s lead by matching the £25-a-week Scottish Child Payment UK-wide.
“But it’s also essential that help is given to those on middle incomes too – by maintaining the energy price cap, ensuring continued energy bill support payments, and introducing a mortgage crisis fund to stop people defaulting or falling into unsustainable debt.
“The Tories caused this mess – and families must not foot the bill for Tory incompetence.
“Instead of imposing Tory austerity 2.0, the Chancellor must make fairer choices by expanding the windfall tax to major companies making excess profits, taxing non-doms and share buybacks.
“With the Tories and Labour Party both intent on imposing Brexit and years of cuts, it’s clear independence is the only way to keep Scotland safe and get back on the path to prosperity.”
