It is clear that change is needed within the welfare system – the Tories have admitted this themselves. So what does it look like now Labour have won the general election? We outline everything Keir Starmer’s party has said so far
Labour has won a historic landslide victory in the general election and has promised hope after 14 years of Tory rule – but the new government faces extensive challenges, including a “broken” benefits system in urgent need of reform. Can it truly offer change?
There are 14 million people living in poverty in the UK. Many are going without food, basic toiletries and heating because benefits are not stretching far enough. People are living in cold and damp homes, sleeping rough and relying on food banks.
And then there is a soaring welfare bill with which to contend. The number of people out of work because of long-term sickness is at a record high of more than 2.8 million, following the pandemic and chronic underfunding of NHS services.
Many of these people are relying on disability benefits to survive – but it’s a system which is driving people to psychological trauma and worsening their physical and mental health conditions, pushing them further away from the workplace.
Would a Labour government offer the change which is so desperately needed?
Labour leader Keir Starmer has told the Big Issue he will be as “bold as Attlee” – the famous post-war PM who set up the NHS – and work towards ending poverty in the UK. Previous Labour governments have added billions to the welfare bill and brought down poverty.
Read the full article – www.bigissue.com/news/employment/labour-government-dwp-benefit-claimants-welfare/
