Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has today expressed his concerns about the impact that the UK Government’s cuts to Housing Benefit will have on people living in refuges or supporter accommodation.
The UK Government plan to reduce social sector Housing Benefit rates to that of Local Housing Allowance – a rate that is far lower than the cost of rent and service charges that is needed to provide refuge and supported accommodation to older people, disabled people, women who have suffered domestic violence and care leavers.
The First Minister has said “this will have a catastrophic impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our society” and confirmed that the Social Justice Secretary has written to the UK Government to express “grave concerns” about the changes.
Gavin Newlands, the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said: “It seems as if there is no end to the callousness of this Conservative government. Not content with slashing vital social security support and public services, the UK Government has now turned its ideological obsession with austerity to some of society’s most vulnerable people.
“Because of the government’s decision, there is now a real uncertainty about the future provision of refuges and other forms of supported accommodation in Scotland and tenants and landlords need reassurance to be able to make future plans.
“The UK Government must listen to those on the ground. Scottish Women’s Aid have warned that these changes could mean that women would be effectively prevented from leaving an abusive partner. This is incredibly dangerous.
“The SNP is committed to fighting this unfair and damaging cut to support for the most vulnerable people in society – the UK Government must exempt all supported housing from this cut now.”