Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The number of households in Aberdeenshire hit by the Tory government's 'harmful' benefit cap has soared by 73% since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
New statistics show that as of May this year, a total of 6,034 households in Scotland were hit by the benefit cap - an increase of almost 76 per cent. In Aberdeenshire, around 249 households saw the money they received cut by this policy.
Shelter Scotland has warned that the controversial benefit cap, which the SNP has called to be scrapped, is forcing families into poverty during this Coronavirus crisis.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP, Stewart Stevenson, said:
“Austerity is having a devastating impact on thousands of families in Aberdeenshire and across Scotland, with vulnerable people hit hard by the benefit cap, as well as a host of other Tory welfare cuts.
"The SNP has long called for an end to the benefit cap, which hits families with children hardest, and leaves people in Aberdeenshire worrying about how they'll pay rent or put food on the table.
"In government, the SNP has done everything it can to support those hit by the benefit cap - but as long as the key levers remain in the hands of Westminster, we are fighting poverty with one hand tied behind our backs.
"Now, more than ever, these shocking figures must serve as a wake-up call to Boris Johnson and his government. If they were really serious about improving the lives of people in Aberdeenshire they would scrap this harmful policy now."
"The SNP has long called for an end to the benefit cap, which hits families with children hardest, and leaves people in Aberdeenshire worrying about how they'll pay rent or put food on the table.
"In government, the SNP has done everything it can to support those hit by the benefit cap - but as long as the key levers remain in the hands of Westminster, we are fighting poverty with one hand tied behind our backs.
"Now, more than ever, these shocking figures must serve as a wake-up call to Boris Johnson and his government. If they were really serious about improving the lives of people in Aberdeenshire they would scrap this harmful policy now."
