BILL Scott of Inclusion Scotland told a Holyrood committee that people with mental health problems were particularly at risk, and some had killed themselves as a result.
AN ANGRY charity boss yesterday accused Westminster of committing a
“crime against humanity” by imposing benefits sanctions on the most
vulnerable.
Bill Scott of Inclusion Scotland hit out after it emerged 36,000 Scots had payments stopped or cut within eight months of new rules being brought in.
He said many people with mental health problems are being plunged into poverty because they don’t understand the system.
He said some committed suicide or starved to death as a result.
He added: “This is happening in a country which is one of the richest on the planet and we are allowing it to happen to our most vulnerable citizens.
“It is a crime against humanity, to be honest.
“People are having to prove they are innocent and a lot of people cannot play the system.”
Inclusion Scotland were one of several charities giving evidence to Holyrood’s welfare reform committee about the rules introduced in 2012.
Reasons for withdrawal of benefit include leaving a job voluntarily and failing to attend an interview.
Some can lose benefit for three years if they leave three jobs voluntarily.
John Downie of the SCVO said: “It’s disgusting that people are being treated so cruelly.”
Read more...
Bill Scott of Inclusion Scotland hit out after it emerged 36,000 Scots had payments stopped or cut within eight months of new rules being brought in.
He said many people with mental health problems are being plunged into poverty because they don’t understand the system.
He said some committed suicide or starved to death as a result.
He added: “This is happening in a country which is one of the richest on the planet and we are allowing it to happen to our most vulnerable citizens.
“It is a crime against humanity, to be honest.
“People are having to prove they are innocent and a lot of people cannot play the system.”
Inclusion Scotland were one of several charities giving evidence to Holyrood’s welfare reform committee about the rules introduced in 2012.
Reasons for withdrawal of benefit include leaving a job voluntarily and failing to attend an interview.
Some can lose benefit for three years if they leave three jobs voluntarily.
John Downie of the SCVO said: “It’s disgusting that people are being treated so cruelly.”
Read more...
