​'HARMFUL' TORY BENEFIT CAP HITS 155 FAMILIES IN MIDLOTHIAN AND 157 FAMILIES IN EAST LOTHIAN

COVID-19 CRISIS PUTS PRESSURE ON UK GOVT TO SCRAP BENEFIT CAP POLICY
 
The number of households hit by the Tory government's 'harmful' benefit cap has soared by 123% in Midlothian, and by 150% in East Lothian since the Covid-19 pandemic started. 
 
New statistics show that as of May this year, a total of 6,034 households in Scotland were hit by the benefit cap - an increase of almost 76 per cent. In Midlothian, around 155 households saw the money they received cut by this policy and in East Lothian around 157 households were affected by this cut. 
 
Shelter Scotland has warned that the controversial benefit cap, which the SNP has called to be scrapped, is forcing families into poverty during this Coronavirus crisis.
 
SNP MSP Colin Beattie said:
 
"Austerity is having a devastating impact on thousands of families in Midlothian, East Lothian, and across Scotland, with vulnerable people hit hard by the benefit cap, as well as a host of other Tory welfare cuts. 
 
"The SNP has long called for an end to the benefit cap, which hits families with children hardest, and leaves people in Midlothian and East Lothian worrying about how they'll pay rent or put food on the table. 
 
"In government, the SNP has done everything it can to support those hit by the benefit cap - but as long as the key levers remain in the hands of Westminster, we are fighting poverty with one hand tied behind our backs.
 
"Now, more than ever, these shocking figures must serve as a wake-up call to Boris Johnson and his government. If they were really serious about improving the lives of people in Midlothian and East Lothian they would scrap this harmful policy now."