Latest news

Jobcentres needed more than even following budget

An SNP MP has called on the UK Government to save Glasgow jobcentres from closure, after warning the budget does little to help those most affected by cuts to welfare.

Stewart McDonald, MP for Glasgow South, sent the warning after Chancellor Philip Hammond’s budget, which confirmed there would be no easing up on benefit freezes.

Last year, a four-year freeze on tax credits and benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and income support was put in place. And earlier this month, changes to the Personal Independence Payment were announced.

Commenting, Stewart McDonald said:

“The Chancellor has failed address concerns that we are facing the biggest increase in inequality in decades, with the poorest of working-age projected to be worse off in the next few years.

“In addition, changes to the Personal Independence Payment could exclude tens of thousands of disabled people from the financial help they need, and the freeze to working age benefits will put further pressure on household budgets.

“Coupled with the DWP’s plans to close half of Glasgow’s jobcentres, this could be disastrous for families across the city. With no extra help offered in this budget, it is vital that this Government halt their proposals to close jobcentres so that vulnerable communities across Glasgow can still access the services they need.”