Lib Dems Expand Criticisms of Coalition Welfare Policies

The Liberal Democrats are to broaden their criticisms of the coalition's welfare policies by admitting that benefit sanctions are hitting those most in need of support. The attack on benefit sanctions is included in a motion due to be debated at the party's autumn conference, and will raise questions about the extent to which they have been calling for changes internally at the DWP. It also calls for a review of universal credit implementation to address poor administration, information management and data quality issues as well as cliff edges that may disincentivise increased working hours, or leave insufficient childcare or other basic needs support. Read more on the Observer website.

‘Double Lockout Bill’ Cuts Support For Workers and Jobseekers

A new report reveals that the government’s welfare benefit uprating legislation is based on bogus claims and is a poverty-producing bill that will further exclude the poorest workers, jobseekers, carers and disabled people from the mainstream of society. The report finds that:

· The bill is poverty-producing and means that both absolute and relative child poverty will increase

 · Contrary to arguments made by Ministers, welfare spending on workless families has been falling and most Jobseekers Allowance claimants find new jobs within months

· Contrary to popular perception, benefit fraud is at its lowest ever recorded level and the ‘scrounger’ stereotype is grossly inaccurate

 · The government must focus on the root causes of social security and tax credit demand and prioritise progress on full employment, living wages, affordable housing and affordable childcare

Download a copy of the report from the CPAG website.