HOUSEHOLDS in Cumnock and Doon Valley will continue to feel the squeeze after the UK Budget statement, an MP has claimed.

Alan Brown, MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, and Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Jeane Freeman have both criticised Chancellor Philip Hammond.

The Chancellor announced income tax cuts that will disproportionately benefit higher earners as well as further tax breaks for oil and gas companies.

Commenting on the Budget, Mr Brown said: “Instead of halting Universal Credit – the Chancellor has only applied a sticking plaster to a system that is failing the weakest and the most vulnerable in our society.

“He of course ignored the WASPI campaign again, and it was good to see the women register their displeasure.

“Scotland again has been robbed - losing £1.9bn pounds by 2020 from the Scottish Government’s budget – with our NHS short-changed to the tune of £50million in Barnett consequences.”

Ms Freeman added: “This falls a long way short of delivering for the people of Scotland.

“The SNP will not support Tory tax cuts for the richest at the expense of the poor.

“Working people will be £1,600 worse off thanks to their mishandling of Brexit, and the changes do nothing to alleviate the untold damage this will do.

“Instead of ploughing on with austerity, the UK Government should commit to a realistic plan for investment in public services, to grow the economy and to boost jobs, incomes and living standards.

“This budget has exposed in stark terms the democratic deficit of the UK, and why we need full powers over Scotland’s finances to grow our economy and build a fairer country.”

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Bill Grant welcomed the Budget.

He said: “The UK Government is committed to improving productivity and living standards across the UK and will provide targeted support in Scotland.

“The Chancellor has listened to concerns regarding Universal Credit, with significant sums secured to support DWP clients as they migrate to the new system. This encourages and incentivises work over welfare. Not a perfect budget but a good budget.”