‘Extreme’ welfare reforms condemned

Council leaders have blasted “extreme and ill thought-out” welfare reforms that are due to come into force in just one week.

Changes to the benefits system are being introduced from April 1 as a result of UK Government legislation.

The controversial reforms include changes to housing benefit, dubbed the bedroom tax, which will see council and housing associations have their benefit cut if they are deemed to have a spare bedroom.

As housing benefit is paid by councils, David O’Neill, the president of local government body Cosla, told claimants that “no blame whatsoever” should be attached to local authorities for the changes.

He also warned councils could be hit by a “double whammy” as a result of the welfare reforms, claiming they could see a “massive increase” in people seeking help at a time of reduced resources. But he pledged councils would do everything in their power to help the most vulnerable.

Mr O’Neill said: “It is ironic that the first batch of these welfare and benefit reforms come into force on April Fools Day, because believe me there is nothing remotely humorous about them.

“Make no mistake here – no blame whatsoever can be put at the door of Scotland’s councils for either introducing these measures or for the devastating impact that this legislation is about to have on our communities.”

He continued: “The UK Government is transferring cost and responsibility for the needs of people on benefit on to local government. It is impossible for councils to subsidise the levels of cuts people will experience but we will do everything within our power to support the most vulnerable in our communities.”

A spokeswoman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “It’s only right that we bring fairness back to the system – when in Scotland there are many thousands on housing waiting lists or living in overcrowded homes.

“Giving more powers to councils will mean they can respond more clearly to local needs. We’re transferring £178.2 million a year of funding to local authorities and the Scottish and Welsh governments and that’s in addition to administration and start-up costs of over £72 million, which represents a fair settlement.”