Anti poverty plans not meeting needs say Lib Dems
July 20, 2008 12:00 AM
Commenting on the leaked version of the Welfare Green Paper, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Jenny Willott said:
"Liberal Democrats have long been calling for the introduction of a single working age benefit while the Government has dragged its heels and made the present system ever more complex.
"This green paper ignores that fact that over half of the adults living in poverty in the UK are in work, largely thanks to the poverty trap Labour has created with the prevalence of means-tested benefits.
"Personalised back to work support represents progress, but this paper fails to address the needs of those with mental health problems, who make up 40% of those on incapacity benefit.
"The Conservatives have resoundingly failed to explain how they would deal with any of these issues, concentrating on scoring cheap political points instead of providing substance.
"The paper represents a step in the right direction, but there are potential pitfalls for child poverty and vulnerable people which must be addressed before the bill is presented to parliament."
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