Easterhouse Housing and Regeneration Alliance (EHRA) welcomed residents from across Greater Easterhouse to listen to candidates from the political parties standing in Glasgow East at the general election 2017.

The event held at Blairtummock Hall in Easterhouse was an opportunity to ask questions to SNP, Labour, Conservative and Independent candidates.

Rod Hunter, chair, introduced candidates to the busy event and in the opening remarks, Thomas Kerr, Conservative, who has recently been elected as a Conservative Councillor for Shettleston, said he would campaign for more jobs, campaign against the proposed closure of job centres and would oppose a second referendum.

SNP’s David Linden, would, if elected be a strong voice Scotland in Westminster. Kate Watson, Labour, would work in Westminster to pay people more through an increased minimum wage and reform the welfare benefits system. Independent candidate Karin Finegan would provide an alternative to the current political party system that was not delivering fairness for local people.

The first question from the floor was from Colin Cameron, chair of EHRA, who asked what the candidates would do to tackle the problems caused by Universal Credit. The Conservative candidate supported Universal Credit but accepted that there were flaws. The SNP candidate advised that SNP would suspend the current welfare changes, abandon Universal Credit and abolish the changes to working tax credits. Independent Karin Finegan would oppose the implementation of Universal Credit and the cuts to welfare benefits.

Further questions were asked on sanctions, low pay and benefits with the Conservative candidate stating that the solution is for employers to pay more, amend tax credits and encourage people to work for longer. Labour would increase tax for the wealthier and would want to remove the 1% salary cap for the public sector. The Independent candidate would work to represent the local people and oppose cuts to benefits and poor wages. SNP would encourage all employers to pay the living wage.

Questions were also asked on a variety of issues including cuts to support for families affected by autism, globalisation, immigration, Brexit, and education. Candidates were quizzed on how they would communicate with constituents and whether they would represent the people or the party.

The final question asked each candidate for their views on foodbanks and when they would end. Karin Finegan, Independent, referred to a recent UNICEF report that suggested increased incomes for families. Kate Watson, Labour, would end zero hour contracts, reform universal credit and maintain a minimum wage of £10/hour. David Linden, SNP, would reform the welfare reform change and reverse the cuts. Thomas Kerr, Conservative, would encourage employers to pay adequate wages.

Chair Rod Hunter thanked everyone for attending and encouraged everyone to vote on 8 June 2017.