Whitehall Accused of ‘Crazy’ Hypocrisy

The government has been accused of hypocrisy after attacking a council for spending £600 on a welfare cuts awareness campaign, while spending nearly £1 million itself promoting the right to buy.  Conservative MP John Glen complained to the district auditor about Labour-led Lambeth Council spending £600 on leaflets informing residents about welfare reform. Brandon Lewis, local government minister, later described the £600 spend as ‘money wasted on this scare campaign’. Michael Gelling, chair of the Tenants’ and Residents’ Organisations of England, described the government’s position as ‘crazy’. He said many tenants are unaware of all the changes coming in. He said: ‘Councils have an obligation to inform their residents.’  Read more on Inside Housing.