Reaction

Derek Mitchell, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland “The Chancellor’s statement makes clear the Government acknowledge there are major problems with Universal Credit. Any additional funding is of course welcome, but without more detail, we are not convinced the amounts he has announced today will mitigate the very real hardships people are experiencing.” Peter Kelly, director of Poverty Alliance “While we welcome the much-needed changes to Universal Credit work allowances, today’s Budget is a missed opportunity for the UK Government to fulfil its promise to end austerity. “By continuing the damaging freeze on working age and child benefits, this Budget risks pushing even more people into poverty.” Campbell Robb, chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation “The Government have taken an important step forward in addressing a burning injustice – the rise of poverty among working families.

“We will work with the Government to reform Universal Credit so that the needs of the people who rely on it come first.

“However, with 14million people living in poverty, the Government need to be emboldened to carry out serious social reform to make this a country that works for everyone.” Charles Ireland, general manager of Diageo Great Britain, Ireland and France “Philip Hammond has listened to the industry and his Scottish colleagues, and today has acted to support our world-beating spirits industry. We thank those within the party of Government who have made the case for Scotland and stood up for the 50,000 jobs this industry supports.” Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI “This was a rock-solid Budget, bringing more treats than tricks for business.

“It recognises the contribution enterprise has made to balancing the UK’s books through jobs, pay and tax and responds to many of the recommendations firms have made.

“But there is no hiding from the dark clouds of Brexit uncertainty.” Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard “While big businesses pay the lowest rates of corporation tax in the G7, low paid workers are struggling by on poverty pay, with a social security system that imposes a two-child cap on tax credits.

“It is clear we need a Labour Government to deliver a £10 real living wage. That’s the real change the UK needs, not more spin from the Tories.” Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie “Everything is overshadowed by the damaging impact that Brexit will have on the UK’s public finances and the skilled workers available to run public services.

“These costs – which could reach £80billion a year in the event of no deal – risk turning today’s Budget into a tinkering sideshow.”

Unite general secretary Len McCluskey “Austerity is not over. Despite the Chancellor’s efforts, there is still the horror to come of billions of pounds slashed from public spending.“Theresa May leads a Government of low growth and shrunken wages that has trapped our people in a never-ending decline in living standards.”