Many Scots were left horrified when the Tories waged war on disabled benefit claimants, forcing them through harsh assessments and stripping payments away with little thought, pushing some into devastating poverty. Now, Labour’s plan to cut the benefits bill by encouraging more disabled people to work is raising alarms.
The backlash has already begun, with Labour activists and voters voicing serious concerns. There’s a real fear that those who simply can’t work will be forced into jobs or see their support slashed, echoing the cruel policies of the past. That’s not what people expected from a Labour government, and the frustration is growing, reported the Daily Record.
Keir Starmer’s big challenge is to prove that this plan is about improving lives, not just cutting costs. If Labour can offer genuine support to get people into suitable jobs and tackle the country’s worklessness crisis, there could be support for it. But it must be done right.
There’s no denying the rising number of sickness and disability benefit claimants is an issue that needs addressing. The bill has soared from £28 billion before the pandemic to a staggering £52 billion a year—and is expected to reach £70 billion by the end of the decade. Ignoring the problem isn’t an option.
The best way to ease the burden is by helping people into secure, well-paying jobs, boosting both individual lives and the economy. But that can’t come at the expense of punishing those who truly can’t work. After 14 years of Tory-led demonisation of the poor, people have had enough. Any welfare reforms must focus on genuine help—not more suffering.
Awaab’s Law to Finally Be Introduced in Scotland After Tragic Death of Toddler Two-year-old Awaab died just days after his birthday, his tiny lungs failing due to a respiratory condition made worse by black mould in his family’s home. His parents had repeatedly begged their housing association to take action, but their pleas were ignored—with tragic consequences.
His heartbreaking story led to the introduction of Awaab’s Law in the UK, forcing landlords to tackle damp and mould within strict timeframes. Now, Scotland is finally set to bring in the same protections, with amendments to the SNP Government’s Housing Bill ensuring the law covers social housing tenants north of the border.
While this is a welcome step, it only applies to social housing. The fight isn’t over—because no tenant, in any kind of rental home, should have to live in dangerous, unhealthy conditions. Authorities must go further to ensure all rental homes meet safe living standards. No family should ever have to suffer the way Awaab’s did.
