Attempt to dissuade migrants ‘will hit Scots too’

YOUNG Scots could lose out on tax credits and housing benefit because of David Cameron’s bid to stop claims from immigrants, according to reports.

A furious row has erupted following suggestions that Conservative ministers are considering the idea.

The Government’s problems stem from the Prime Minister’s ongoing renegotiation of the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU).

Mr Cameron wants to ban EU migrants from claiming some benefits for four years, in a move ministers say is necessary to reduce the “pull” factors attracting people to the UK.

But the Government has been warned that the plans could be discriminatory.

One way round the deadlock would be to also introduce a four-year wait for British workers, until they were 22.

But Labour warned that the public would find such a ban unacceptable.

Shadow work and pensions minister Stephen Timms said: “I think most people would take the view it would not be acceptable for ordinary UK citizens to be badly hit because the Government’s renegotiation efforts have not succeeded.”

An SNP spokesman said: “These reports are deeply concerning. In their ideological pursuit of migrants, the Tories appear to be continuing their assault on young people.”

A Government spokesman said: “We’ve already taken action to protect the benefits system and ensure that EU migrants come to this country for the right reasons and to contribute to the economy.

“Now we’re focused on renegotiating our relationship with Europe and getting a better deal for Britons, and we won’t speculate on other options.”

Citizens Advice Scotland said that it was concerned by the proposal.

Rob Gowans, from CAS, said: “On top of substantial cuts to the tax credits system and plans to prevent under21s claiming housing benefit, the consequences of imposing this plan would likely be disastrous for vulnerable young Scots, many of whom require in-work support from the tax credits and housing benefit system to keep them from extreme poverty.

“Already 11,600 Scottish 16-21 year olds stand to lose their housing benefit under both this and previously announced plans.

“This latest idea may therefore be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for many.”

Single parent charity Gingerbread also warned that families depended on tax credits.

Mr Cameron is facing internal pressure to deliver significant changes to how the UK interacts with the EU.