RECENTLY I attended an academic forum on welfare and how it is being affected by the conditions imposed upon the recipients. Research is being carried out on the effect that changes in recent time have made to the delivery and efficacy of the welfare system here in Scotland and throughout the UK. The speakers at the beginning of the presentation told us of the horror stories they had heard as part of their research. Jobseekers are forced to repeatedly apply for jobs they have no hope of landing; few with disabilities are not initially categorised as “fit for work”. The worst aspect of our present regime is the imposition of “sanctions” as a result of failing to meet the most trivial terms imposed upon them. These sanctions are the removal of benefit payments that are, in many instances, the only means of support the recipients have and cause the most traumatic consequences.
In the discussion that followed there was input from a wide range of organisations and stakeholders. Everyone there seemed to accept the general consensus that the changes to UK welfare were less about driving the workshy into jobs than in dramatically reducing the welfare budget. There was a hope from some present that the Scottish Government might transform the welfare climate into something more caring. The speakers made it clear, however, that only 15 per cent of the welfare budget is being devolved and the main levers are being retained by Westminster. Actions available to Holyrood will be, at best, marginal.
To those of us who take an active part in political campaigning these stories were nothing new; we hear them on the doorsteps whenever we go into the more deprived areas. Those who get their news from the papers and the television would be shocked by the privation and destitution that is to be found in almost every town in the land. These people are not all skivers and few have the luxury that is portrayed in the mythology or some of our newspapers. Most of those on welfare are less gifted or less able and cannot find work that pays enough to support them.
What are we to do? We need to break with the rich boys of Westminster and plough our own furrow. We need to find ways to employ more people on the humdrum but important jobs that are being neglected. It is better to employ people on basic wages than let them rot watching daytime TV or lie about all day. Offer, those that are able, a job that will keep them and provide a return for the community. Tear up the present convoluted tax system and simplify it for both people and businesses so that there are none of the loopholes and exemptions we presently have for some to avoid paying their due. If we can do that then we can have a fair and acceptable humanity in our dealings with others.
DS Blackwood,
1 Douglas Drive East, Helensburgh.
THE remarks attributed to George Osborne (“Osborne: Vote Remain to kill off fresh Scots Referendum", The Herald, June 10) must rank high in the many crass remarks already made by "leaders " of both camps in this bitterly deteriorating exchange of views on the EU. Surely the Chancellor's own political guile should alert him not to insult and possibly disengage an entire nation.
The forthcoming referendum and any past or future Scottish independence elections are quite separate and unrelated matters. As repeatedly evidenced in recent years English politicians, of all parties, who foray north to convince the Scottish public on matters political rarely succeed. Ironically, the picture accompanying your article shows a smiling George Osborne shovelling hay feed. Perhaps he should reflect not to treat as fodder those from whom he entreats support on the commendable Remain cause.
Allan C Steele,
22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.
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