SNP unveils welfare plans to counter tax credit cuts
Social justice secretary Alex Neil said ministers are already working on the plans set out after the UK government’s spending review. Mr Neil made the announcement as MSPs prepare to debate the issue at Holyrood this afternoon. Labour leader Kezia Dugdale told her party’s conference at the weekend that she will use the new Smith Commission powers coming to Scotland to fully restore tax credit cuts. It is thought Chancellor George Osborne’s planned cuts could cost families up to £1,300 a year.
“Holyrood should send a united message to George Osborne that these cuts are completely unacceptable,” Mr Neil said.
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Hide Ad“Unlike Labour, the SNP have voted against these proposals at every possible opportunity and we will continue to do so. And just as we have already mitigated some of the worst aspects of the UK government’s welfare cuts, so too will the Scottish Government set out clear, credible and costed plans to support low income households following the Comprehensive Spending Review.”
He insisted that Holyrood will not get full control over tax credits under the Smith Commission plans and called for this to be fully devolved to the Scottish Parliament.