Commenting on new analysis ahead of a House of Lords debate on changes to tax credits which shows that half of Working Tax Credit recipients would be worse off in 2020, Scottish Labour Public Services Spokesperson Jackie Baillie said:

“The Chancellor claims to be in ‘listening mode’ around tax credits -; he should listen to the experts who have a loud and clear message: his plans will leave working families worse off.

“Tax credits work. That’s why Labour introduced them in when last in government. They help those in low paid jobs and ensure work pays.

“George Osborne’s plan to slash tax credits will hurt the poorest families in Scotland whilst the richest will see more money in their pocket. This is Robin Hood in reverse, taking from the poor to give to the rich.

“After five years of the Tory Government and eight years of the SNP Government, the gap between the richest and the rest in our country is still unacceptably high. These cuts to tax credits will only make it worse.”