The imposition of Welfare cuts by Westminster politicians
In the period 2002, to date, the UK welfare benefits system was subject to significant reforms.
First introduced by “New Labour”, under the auspices of Blair and Brown, the cuts were followed up by rampant Tory’s who didn’t hang about when they took up office, greatly enhancing the range, level and speed of introduction of welfare cuts regardless of the adverse impact on the health and well being of individuals most in need.
The 10 year period of austerity (2008-2018) heralded as a great triumph for British democracy, by New Labour and the Tory’s resulted in an unprecedented number of individuals having their benefit entitlement reviewed and brutally stopped resulting in them being forced to rely on charity to survive.
Much of the change disproportionately affects vulnerable individuals suffering recurring ill health and/or disability and who by result rely on welfare benefits as their main source of financial income.
It is estimated that welfare expenditure in Scotland has been reduced by a recurring annual sum in excess of £1.0 billion.
The changes impact 100,000 sickness benefit claimants, including 50,000 in receipt of disability support and approximately 85,000 households punished by the “bedroom tax” reductions.
The recent introduction of the appallingly named “rape tax” welfare restriction is yet another example of the hard line pursuit of the needy by Westminster politicians.
Post 2014 Independence Referendum Welfare Changes
The right wing Unionist supporting Scottish press, BBC (Scotland), other media outlets and Unionist politicians of the Labour, Tory and the Liberal Democratic Party’s continue to “turn their faces away” from the Scottish electorate “beating the “Lambeg drum” in support of Westminster.
Their recurring ranting includes highlighting the very limited devolved welfare powers and finance, given over to the Scottish government, by Westminster after the referendum.
Their view is that finance should be directed away from some areas of governance and given over to welfare.
But when asked to participate in discussions with government, designed to achieve the outcome they desire they refuse to get involved.
The snide behaviour of the Unionists is reprehensible but “par for the course”.
The Scottish government does provide welfare assistance, enhanced over that available to claimants in England.
But in doing so it runs the risk of being punished by the “Barnett Formula” which automatically adjusts the amounts of public expenditure allocated to Scotland reflecting changes in spending levels allocated to public services in England.
And the bloody unionist politicians in Scotland are well aware of what they are asking.
Their loyalty is not to the Scottish electorate. It is to their controllers in Westminster.
What is to be done?
The answer!! Achieve independence!!!!!
