Tory Government urged to scrap 'unjust' benefits cap by anti-poverty campaigners

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Anti-poverty champions have launched a campaign demanding the Tory Government scrap their “unjust” benefits cap. Nearly 50 groups led by the Poverty Alliance believe the David Cameron -era policy hits lone parents and ethnic minorities the hardest.

The cap was introduced in 2013 amid claims by the Conservatives that welfare payments for the poor were too generous.For families in Scotland social security payments are limited to a maximum of £1,666 a month.

The cap works by reducing either housing benefit or universal credit. Critics say the policy has increased poverty and fuelled negative stereotypes about benefits claimants.They point out that a large chunk of the welfare budget ends up in the pockets of landlords, rather than to the needy.A new campaign launched today, dubbed Scrap the Cap, is supported by a range of bodies including the Church of Scotland, Shelter Scotland and the Trussell Trust.It followed a Poverty Alliance which reported people saying the cap was causing widespread harm and hardship.A majority of respondents said in a normal month they did not have enough money to cover basics like rent, utilities and food.Scots also spoke of having to use food banks and borrow money from friends and family.Organisations reported horror stories like parents keeping their children out of the classroom because they could afford the associated costs of school.Carol, a 24 year old disabled woman from the Highlands, said: “Lack of financial stability kick started my mental breakdown and I have made many attempts on my life.

I was told by work coaches I would not be labelled unable or unfit for work even though I had a number of mental and physical disabilities.“The stress caused me to spiral further into my breakdown.