Scottish Catholic Observer

Chancellor George Osborne has said he will ‘lessen’ the impact of tax credit cuts on families after the House of Lords demanded changes to the legislation.

Peers voted by 289 votes to 272 to provide full financial redress to the millions of recipients affected.

The archbishop (above), president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said on his return frpm the Synod on the Family that he hoped ‘the Government will be mindful of the concerns raised by members of the House of Lords in the debate on tax credits.’

“I urge them to adopt a compassionate and humane approach when amending the benefits system remembering always the vulnerabilities of so many dependent on it,” he said.

Tax credits were introduced by the last Labour Government to help low-paid families. Under this Conservative Government’s plans, the income threshold for receiving Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credit is due to be cut from April 2016.

Critics say the move could deprive low-income workers of up to £1300 a year.

—In this week’s SCO, out on Friday, columnist Richard Purden on tax credits.

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