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Proceeding contribution from Rachel Reeves (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 5 March 2012. It occurred during Opposition day on Living Standards.


Living Standards

I would like to know how the hon. Gentleman would explain to the 348 kids in his constituency who will be affected by the changes to working tax credits how it makes sense for their families to be better off on benefits than it is for their parents to be in work. That will surely add to the debt, not reduce it. It is this Government who are borrowing an extra £158 billion, because of the costs of their failed economic policies; it is they who are adding to the debt. A Government who believe in fairness—a Government who say, ““We're all in this together””—are straining at the leash to cut tax for individuals with incomes over £150,000, while one-earner families on £43,000 stand to lose £2,500 of child benefit and families struggling on just £17,000 stand to lose around £4,000 because of changes to tax credits. Instead of worrying about the top 1%, this Government should start thinking about the other 99%.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
541 c643 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Children Child benefit Disadvantaged Benefits rules Women Families Economic situation Personal income Low incomes Poverty Public expenditure Low pay Public finance Welfare tax credits Working tax credit Taxation Unemployment Standard of living Cuts
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk