Stephen Morgan MP is asking local residents to submit ideas to Labour’s consultation on the future of social security in the UK
Labour has vowed to completely overhaul the social security system and rebuild it from the principles on which it was founded so that people are supported rather than punished.
The roll-out of universal credit, the government’s flagship welfare reform project, has been fraught with problems and has faced repeated criticism from welfare charities and MPs. There has been intense criticism too of the government’s handling of assessment processes and support for disabled people.
Recently, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Amber Rudd admitted that the long wait for the first payment under Universal Credit may have led to more people using food banks after the Conservative government had previously denied the link.
Labour is carrying out a root and branch review of the social security system. The party has also pledged to stop the roll-out of Universal Credit and deliver a system that supports people when they need it.
Stephen Morgan MP said:
“Our social security system, once set up to support people, has lost its way.
Instead of providing stability, the current government is tearing away the safety net that should be there for any of us when we need it. Labour believes that this must change.
I’ve been listening to constituents’ concerns, meeting the team at the local JobCentre and written to local groups and charities which support vulnerable people to understand the impact universal credit and Government policies are having on people in Portsmouth.
I am now keen to hear ideas on how the next Labour government should tackle the challenges our country faces and build a more equal Britain for the many, not the few.”
The MP will be hosting a consultation event on Friday 10 May in the constituency for people to have their say. To find out more and book a place email stephen.morgan.mp@parliament.uk or call 023 9229 1088
Margaret Greenwood MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
“It’s really important that we have a social security system that people can rely on when they need it.
That’s why Labour is inviting people from across the country to put forward their ideas about what our future social security system should look like.
We want to hear from as broad a range of people as possible, so if you currently use social security, or even if you have never had to, please do get involved.
With your help, Labour will completely overhaul the current system, rebuild it and restore dignity at its heart.”
The national consultation runs until Sunday 30 June 2019 and can be accessed via https://www.policyforum.labour.org.uk/commissions/work/rebuilding-a-just-social-security-system
People can respond to the consultation online or by post. You can request an accessible version of the consultation documents from policydevelopment@labour.org.uk or by writing to Labour Central, Kings Manor Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6PA
