West Dunbartonshire Council motion opposes planned cuts

In a motion being presented at full council this Thursday, SNP councillor Lauren Oxley is calling on Westminster to introduce measures that would support those “most in need” and reconsider the social security cuts. 

During the spring statement, it was confirmed that universal credit would be cut by half for new claimants while freezing it. The standard allowance for the benefit would rise from £92 per week in 2025-26 to £106 by 2029-30.

Councillor Oxley fears that the decision will have “significant implications” for the Scottish Government’s budget and “further exacerbate” the financial hardship faced by residents in local communities. 

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Her motion reads: “[The] Council condemns these cuts, which will disproportionately affect low-income families, disabled people, and those already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. With inflation continuing to rise and essential household costs soaring, these measures will deepen child poverty and harm the most vulnerable. 

“ [The] Council further acknowledges that foodbanks, charities, and frontline support organisations are under immense strain and are dealing with additional challenges, such as Labour’s increase in employer’s National Insurance contributions, which is hitting Scotland’s public sector and third sector the hardest. 

“The decision to cut social security will increase reliance on these services and only escalate the challenges they are facing.”

This Thursday, elected members will be asked to request a report detailing the anticipated impact of these cuts on West Dunbartonshire residents.

Members will also be asked to request that the Leader of the Council write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions expressing West Dunbartonshire’s opposition to the cuts and urging an immediate reversal.