MSP and Times columnist, Annabelle Ewing, has urged the UK Government to abandon its plans to cut tax credits, reiterating fears from charities that these cuts will push more children into poverty and increase inequalities.

Thousands of people in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area rely on the tax credit system to keep out of poverty and Ms Ewing, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, is worried that families are going to struggle with the changes planned for it.

Pointing to a new Scottish Government analysis which has found that households with the least money will face the biggest losses as a result of the UK Government’s budget proposals, Ms Ewing said, “The shocking reality of the UK Government’s budget is that it will widen the poverty gap and push more families into desperate situations.

“To date, the UK Government’s austerity agenda has led to unacceptable levels of inequality, including child poverty, with the Institute of Fiscal Studies reporting this week that two thirds of children in poverty live in working households.” She added, “Tax credits can be a lifeline for families on low incomes that rely on them to get through daily life, put food on the table, heat their home and pay their bills.

“By cutting tax credits, households across Scotland will be faced with nearly £700 million cuts and additional worries and stress about caring for their families.

“That is an intolerable burden on families in Fife and I echo the call of my colleagues urging the Secretary of State for Scotland to call a halt to the UK Government’s inexcusable attack on low-paid families.

“The SNP has been calling for more powers over social security and this Budget shows exactly why the Scotland Bill does not go far enough.“