Truth is out: it's not about the deficit, it's a war on the poor

SCVO media release 8 July 2015 For immediate release Following George Osborne’s summer budget today, John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “For the first time the Chancellor has finally admitted that his attack on the poorest and most vulnerable people ­in our communities isn’t actually about tackling the deficit. It’s all part of his push for a low tax low welfare society. “This is the work of an economically-illiterate Chancellor who is dead set on cutting, freezing and scrapping welfare to reach his target of £12bn cuts. “He’s demonstrating a cruel disregard for the impact this will have on hundreds of thousands of people’s lives. The sad truth is that far too many people can’t afford to feed and clothe themselves and their families, or keep a roof over their heads. “Taking money from the pockets of our poorest people will only plunge them deeper into poverty and increase inequality which will be a drag on the economy. “Setting the new statutory living wage at £7.20 for next year when the recommended living wage is currently £7.85 is just a headline-grabbing con. Combined with tax credit cuts it means that people will be worse off and only the Treasury will benefit. “The Chancellor and Prime Minister’s war on tax credits will back fire and will worsen poverty levels in the UK. We’re a rich country. It’s utterly senseless that we’re treating people like this.” ENDS Notes to editors:

1. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is the national membership body representing the interests of charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises. The Scottish third sector turns over £4.9 billion a year and employs 138,000 people in over 45,000 organisations.
2. John Downie, Director of Public Affairs, SCVO is available for interview and further comment, please call Charlotte McNeill at SCVO on 0779 060 1995