TORY MINISTER CHALLENGED TO “PROTECT SCOTS’ PENSIONS” ON VISIT

Published date : 22 Mar 2019

CALL TO DITCH POLICIES WHICH THREATEN PENSIONSERS

The SNP has challenged a DWP minister to “protect Scots’ pensions” against Tory cuts and scrap the “ridiculous” cuts to pension credits – which were sneaked out on the evening of Theresa May’s first humiliating Brexit deal defeat.

In January, the Tory government announced a Universal Credit pension credit announcement that could leave couples out of pocket to the tune of £7,000 each year.

Age UK has criticised the announcement warning that it could leave “some of the poorest pensioners paying a hefty price for having a younger partner,” with many WASPI women, and disabled people also predicted to be affected by the cuts.

SNP MSP Jenny Gilruth:

“Although recent political attention has been focused on Westminster turmoil over Europe, life goes on for the hundreds of thousands of people who have seen their incomes slashed by Tory cuts.

“Over the last few years, we have seen people penalised by the Tories simply for having a younger partner, or being a woman, or disabled.

“The Tories are willing to do the bare minimum when it comes to older people – putting the narrow interests of their party above support for the most vulnerable in society. It’s a shameful way to treat our pensioners.

“The minister must urgently think again, protect Scots’ pensions and scrap the ridiculous pension credit cut”

ENDS

Local Reporters, East Fife Mail, Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), RESERVED