AN SNP MSP condemned the "callous" UK Government over the impact its policies are having on the health of people in Aberdeen Donside.
The Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH) recently published a report that found people in Scotland now feel their health is deteriorating from a younger age.
Scots start to feel their health decline from the age of 46, which has fallen from a figure of 51 years old in 2009.
Dr David Walsh from GCPH described the finding as "terrifying" and laid the blame squarely at the door of the Tory UK Government and its cuts to social security payments.
SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside Jackie Dunbar said people in her consistuency who need the support most are being let down by the Conservatives.
She said: “This report lays bare the appalling record of this callous Tory UK government as they continually slash support from those in Aberdeen Donside that need it most.
"People in Aberdeen Donside should not be seeing their health decline earlier than they did a decade ago – we are a wealthy country that can look after our citizens but sadly Westminster's control is resulting in this devastating reality.
“While I’m very glad the SNP Scottish Government has introduced a number of social security payments to support households across Scotland, including the ‘game-changing’ Scottish Child Payment, we are continuing to act with one hand tied behind our back by a UK Tory government that removes support at a time when people need it most."
Dunbar also pointed toward additional reports publishing similar findings.
The MSP said: “These conclusions also come out just a week after another Glasgow University study that has found that UK Tory austerity is causing people to die younger – report after report highlighting the brutal consequences of Westminster control.
“We can, and must, do better. It is beyond doubt now that we need the full powers of independence to build a fairer, more equal society for everyone in Aberdeen Donside and across Scotland.”
This comes after concerns being raised that the cuts to both pensions and benefits will put more pressure on the poorest families as the cost of living crisis worsens.
Surging fuel prices have created a call for a review of the UK fuel market and researchers have branded the recent £19bn pledged by the UK Government to subsidise fuel bills as not enough.
Both food insecurity and rising energy bills have left the autumn and winter ahead being described as the "most difficult moment".
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