TORY TAX CREDITS VOTE ‘SLEEKIT’ SAYS MORAY MP.

Moray’s MP Angus Robertson has criticised the ‘sleekit manner’ in which the UK Tory Government has changed Tax Credits legislation.

This week MPs voted on a Statutory Instrument – a mechanism used to amend existing legislation – put forward by the UK government which lowered the threshold for the amount of income a person can earn before they start to lose tax credits.

By using the Statutory Instrument mechanism it meant there was to be no debate on the issue. SNP MPs pushed the matter to a vote so that all MPs would have the opportunity to have their say instead of the proposal simply becoming law.

Commenting Angus Robertson MP said:

“I have long campaigned against Tory welfare changes that are hitting people in Moray and across the country really hard.

“This week we saw the latest in that assault on the lowest paid with the Tories drastically reducing the threshold for the amount an individual can earn before they start to lose tax credits – and they tried get these cuts through in a sleekit manner, with as little debate or discussion as possible.

“While the legislation was passed we at least forced a vote on the issue demonstrating clearly that it was only Tory MPs who support these changes, with MPs of the other parties at Westminster voting against.

“Zero hours contracts, being self-employed, people changing jobs and returning from sickness or maternity – there are many reasons why a person’s income can fluctuate and it doesn’t necessarily mean a better paid job on a permanent basis.

“These proposals could actually be a disincentive to work as increasing hours or earnings may also seem less worthwhile if there is a risk that tax credits will be adjusted straight away, then re-adjusted the following month, causing uncertainty and confusion when living on a low income.

“Along with other SNP MPs I will continue to oppose these welfare changes that disadvantage the lowest paid in our communities.”