Paper-thin measures will be cold comfort for mortgage holders

Independence only way to escape damage of Westminster control

The SNP has said measures outlined by the UK government in response to the mortgage rates crisis are “paper thin” and “will be cold comfort for people facing soaring mortgages and do nothing at all for renters” - following the Chancellor's meeting with banks today.

Commenting, SNP Social Justice spokesperson David Linden MP said:

“These paper thin measures from the UK government will be cold comfort for people facing soaring mortgage bills - and they will do nothing at all for those facing steep rent hikes.

“The Tories trashed the economy with Brexit, austerity cuts and shambolic mismanagement - and now millions of people are paying the price for Westminster failure.

“A stay of execution on home repossessions is welcome - but it won't help families cover the thousands of pounds they are having to pay in extra mortgage interest under the Tories, nor will it help renters cover the costs being passed on by their landlords.

“The UK government must do more to get mortgage rates down - but they are being hindered by Brexit and other damaging Tory policies that are fuelling the UK's high and stubborn inflation.

“The SNP is the only party offering real change with independence - and real help with the cost of living through progressive policies like the rent cap and Scottish Child Payment.

"The Tories and pro-Brexit Labour Party only offer more of the same damaging policies that got the UK into this mess - obsessing over Brexit, imposing cuts and creeping privatisation, attacking devolution and denying Scotland's democratic right to choose our own future.

"At the next election, voting SNP is the only way to secure independence, tackle the cost of living and get rid of unelected Tory governments for good."