Reform Bill does not tackle poverty

The publication last week of the Welfare Reform Bill by the UK Labour government has raised concerns yet again that the UK Government is intent on making the most vulnerable in society pay for Labour's mismanagement of the UK economy.

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According to its own official figures, the Labour government's plan will push a further 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.

However, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has warned that as many as 400,000 could be forced into poverty by the cuts. So much for Labour saying they've stopped the austerity policies pursued by previous Tory governments!

Disability groups have condemned the move, claiming the Labour government have failed to consult with those most directly affected and that the cuts will impact more severely than the government claim.

Many disabled people already find themselves in debt because of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and benefit levels which currently do not stretch far enough.