The Conservatives have branded the Government’s welfare reforms as too little, too late, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall being urged to be tougher. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately told the Commons: "The fact is £5 billion just doesn’t cut it. With a bill so big, going up so fast, she needed to be tougher." Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden defended Labour’s welfare reforms, saying they aim to support those who cannot work while encouraging employment for those who can. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Shadow Scotland Secretary Andrew Bowie said Labour’s welfare reforms may have more support from Conservatives than Labour MPs, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of walking back on ambitious plans. Bowie outlined the need to balance supporting the vulnerable with getting more working-age people into employment, calling it a “difficult balancing act” that every government must tackle. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
The housing minister has defended the government's decision to introduce cuts to the benefit system. The government plans include a £5bn in cuts, making it harder to qualify for the disability benefit..