Scottish Government backs charity call to protect families from Brexit

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Barnardo’s and the Trussell Trust are among 10 groups who have today urged the UK Government to take “urgent steps to protect people and places in poverty” as Brexit draws nearer.

JRF research, drawing on Bank of England inflation projections, suggests 10.7 million people will be left in poverty, even in the event of a smooth withdrawal, after Brexit and another year’s benefits freeze.

In an open letter, the charity said: “There is widespread agreement that some level of economic and social disruption will follow Brexit at least in the short term and worst of all under a no-deal scenario. Low income families will be worst affected, having already endured years of benefit cuts and freezes.

“We need a new deal for low-income families to cushion the blow and this has prompted us to write to you. Without pre-emptive action by the Government there is potential for the already shamefully high rates of poverty in the UK to worsen further in the face of price and income shocks.”

Demands include “urgent improvements” to Universal Credit and an emergency stimulus package for areas of high poverty and economies exposed to trade disruption.

The National asked the Scottish Government to respond to the points made by the charities. Responding, Campbell said: “By taking us out of a market around eight-times bigger than the UK alone, Brexit in whatever form will cost jobs, make people poorer, damage our society and undermine the democratic decision of the people of Scotland to remain in the European Union.

“We are collaborating with our partner organisations in preparing for all exit possibilities.

“However, we share the frustrations of charities, communities and individuals across the country that we are being forced to prepare for a range of uncertain and unknown scenarios as we leave the EU against the wishes of the majority of Scots. We also share their concerns about the likely impact that Brexit will have on the most vulnerable in our society, and reiterate our calls for the UK Government to do everything possible to protect those already struggling from further hardship.

“As a first step the UK Government should immediately rule out a no-deal Brexit which will be catastrophic for the economy and living standards, and leave people on low incomes particularly vulnerable.”

A UK Government spokesman said its priority is to support people to improve their lives, “and that will remain a priority after we leave the EU”, adding: “Since 2010 we’ve seen record high employment, introduced the National Living Wage, doubled free childcare and cut taxes for 32 million people to help families meet the everyday cost of living and keep more of what they earn.

“But we know that some people need more support. That’s why we’re spending £90 billion to support families who need it, and by 2022 we will be spending £28bn more on welfare than we do now.”