CAMPAIGNERS against proposed cuts in working tax credits took their message to North Cornwall Conservative MP Scott Mann in Bodmin last Friday.

They handed him a petition at his constituency office, asking him to do all he can to oppose the proposed tax credit cuts.

Campaigners say the cuts would make life harder for millions of low-paid working families, and could push 200,000 children into poverty across the country.

North Cornwall resident Catherine Selby delivered the petition to Mr Mann, asking him to oppose the cuts at every opportunity.

Across the UK, people are delivering the 150,000-strong petition to MPs, ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on November 25.

Catherine, a member of online campaign group 38 Degrees, said: “David Cameron promised he wouldn’t touch tax credits before the election, and now his party is going back on its word. People in North Cornwall didn’t vote for this.

“Scott Mann has already shown that he does not support the Government’s proposed tax credit cuts as they stand and we are urging him to ask George Osborne to abandon them all together.

“Many jobs in North Cornwall pay below the living wage, particularly in the care sector and tourist and hospitality industries that make up such a large part of our local economy. In addition, those of us that live in the more remote rural areas have no alternative but to have a vehicle to get to work, go to the shops and pick up our children from school, as there is no credible public transport available.

“Hard working families are really struggling to make ends meet. Of course low paid parents would prefer to earn more and be financially independent but until this is a reality they depend upon tax credits to provide necessities for their children.”

Mr Mann said: “It was a pleasure to meet with some of my constituents who came to the constituency office in Bodmin to discuss the proposed reform to tax credits.

“I assured them that I will speak up for those on low pay and have already expressed my concern in Parliament about those who could potentially be out of pocket next April.

“The tax credits system is in urgent need of reform, however, it must be done in a balanced way so that reductions do not outpace wage increases.

“I am confident that the end result of this Government’s plans will succeed in reforming our welfare bill while giving people a long overdue wage increase.

“By 2020, people will be three to four thousand pounds better off thanks to tax cuts and mandatory wage increases to over £9/hr.”