LABOUR’S catastrophic welfare proposals could heap still more disadvantage on families with disabilities, according to a new study.

Research carried out by Glasgow University’s Professor Morag Treanor on behalf of Aberlour children’s charity, One Parent Family Scotland and Trussell Trust, looked at debt carried by disabled people and lone-parent families.

Already, 55 per cent of children with a disability live in a lone-parent family, the group most likely not only to be dependent on foodbanks, but also in debt to energy companies.

Prof Treanor found that the welfare system provided a “protective blanket” from falling deeper into debt and her report warned planned cuts risk plunging families into crisis.

Responding to the study, Aberlour’s SallyAnn Kelly urged the government to “listen” to affected families if it is to “avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes for millions of the most vulnerable people and their children.”

Branding the proposed cuts “cruel and irresponsible,” Trussell Trust’s Cara Hilton said: “This research clearly shows that the right support can help prevent disabled families from falling into hardship. 

“Cutting it is ill-considered and will leave more disabled people at risk of needing a foodbank.”

Satwat Rehman of One Parent Families Scotland added: “Debt is not a result of poor budgeting — it is a direct consequence of inadequate income and rigid, punitive welfare policies.

“This report is a timely reminder that welfare reform must work to support, not penalise, families. 

“We urgently need reforms that stop pulling vulnerable families under — a just approach to debt recovery, an end to harmful universal credit changes, and a commitment to policies that give families the stability and dignity they deserve.”

The Department for Work and Pensions was contacted for comment.