A LOCAL MP has hit out at the UK Government following the latest round of pension cuts.

Alan Brown, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, made the comments after SNP Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, accused the UK Government of misleading the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Questions.

The pension credit cuts could see some couples £7,000-a-year worse off.

Mr Brown said: “I am concerned that even although we have the lowest pension rates in the developed world, the Tories are making cuts to some pensioner households.

“It is outrageous, and could have potentially devastating effects. We need to remember that when households struggle, there is much less money to go round and so there is further pressure on local businesses and shops.

“Tory austerity is causing direct poverty and also indirectly impacting on our local shops and high streets.”