The number of working people claiming housing benefit in Aberdeen has soared by 64% in just three years.
Dame Anne Begg, chairwoman of Westminster’s work and pensions committee, highlighted the figures as evidence that many residents of the affluent city are struggling with the cost of living.
The data, published by the House of Commons Library, show there were 1,137 people in work and claiming housing benefit in May 2010, but that had risen to 1,868 by November 2013.
The 64% rise in the Granite City was higher than the 53% rate for the whole of Scotland.
Dame Anne, Labour MP for Aberdeen South, said the Scottish and UK governments were “equally to blame”.
She added: “Working people are now on average £1,600 a year worse off as wages have fallen while prices have soared.
“Many people in work can’t get the hours they need, while soaring rent is pushing the cost of housing ever higher.
“More must be done to build more houses, and that’s why I’m proud that Labour has committed to building 200,000 houses a year by 2020. Helping to tackle the cost of living crisis and in the process, reduce the benefit bill.”
A spokeswoman for the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions said: “Since May 2010, the number of out-of-work housing benefit claimants has fallen in Scotland and Aberdeen.
“It is far better that people are in work, paying taxes, contributing in part to their rents and with the prospect of increasing their earnings, than languishing on out-of-work benefits.”