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.
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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
Since taking office nine months ago Sir Keir Starmer has weathered party rows about winter fuel payments, the two child benefit cap, WASPI women, airport.. Sky News
Civil Service credit cards will be frozen this week under plans to reduce their numbers by 50% and slash Government spending. The Cabinet Office will order almost all of the 20,000 procurement cards used by civil servants to be frozen. Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden said the so-called government procurement cards should only be provided to officials when it is essential. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Ministers are set to implement “radical” reforms to the civil service, focusing on improved efficiency and performance. Under new proposals, under-performing staff could leave voluntarily, and senior officials' pay will be linked to performance. Pat McFadden stressed the need for better value for money and greater freedom for civil servants. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Ministers avoid questions from the press as they arrive at Downing Street for a Cabinet meeting with Sir Keir Starmer. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
Mark Carney, Canada’s new prime minister, has dismissed the prospect of a full-blown confrontation with the US as ‘unthinkable’. Report by Ajagbef. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn
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