This afternoon I will be leading a debate on the treatment – or more accurately the demonisation – of benefits claimants.
On my website I publish monthly pie charts of the issues constituents raise with me. Benefits is consistently in the top three.
Benefits claimants are by definition going through a tough time; they may have lost a job, have an illness or disability or are in low-paid or part time work, or they are caring for young children or relatives, making it harder to work.
They need our support, our care, concern for and understanding of the challenges they face. As our Shadow Secretary of State Rachel Reeves has said:“Jobcentres, and the HMRC offices that currently administer tax credits, are vital public services that British citizens pay for with their taxes. People who use them have as much right to expect fair and respectful treatment as patients in…
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