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QUESTIONS: Lillian Barlow makes a point to James Purnell.
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Shoppers grill MP on benefits reform
6/ 8/2008
ONE week James Purnell was announcing to Parliament a big shake-up of the benefits system.
The next the work and pensions secretary went walkabout on Hyde Market to ask constituents what they thought of his proposals for people unemployed for two years, or those who go on and off welfare, having to work for their benefit.
Mike Rutter, 65, of Welch Road, said in 40 years he’d only claimed dole for two weeks when in between jobs.
"The ideas are good to keep people from abusing the system and get more into work. But I suppose we will all end up paying for it one way or another," he said. "There’s lots of things unemployed could do, like cleaning the streets," said retired postal worker and lollipop lady Barbara Holden, of Chartist House. I’ve worked all my life and paid into the system. Yet those who’ve never worked claim for 100 per cent of things and get them. They should have to work for their dole."
But Brian Hough, 75, of Fields Farm Road, Hattersley, whose wheelchair-bound wife Ann, 69, receives incapacity benefit, said: "There‘s got to be some change but it is worrying for people on incapacity benefit unable to work.
"It’s pretty disgusting when you think the government aren’t doing anything yet about BP, which is making £4.5bn profits, but will be hitting somebody at the bottom of the pile."
Lillian Barlow, of Apethorn Lane, Gee Cross, cautioned: "Community work is fine as long as it’s not taking employment away from other people."
Councillors Sean Parker-Perry and Peter Robinson and Labour supporters handed out survey forms about the ‘work for dole’ plans.
Afterwards, Mr Purnell said: "If people see others not going out to work when they have to, to provide for themselves and their families, that makes them feel very frustrated. People want a system that is supportive when they need it but want to make sure other people can‘t play the system. For some people who have never known regular employment we need to help them get into the habit of working life. Unemployed people will get valuable experience of work and we can all think of work that needs doing in the local community."
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When Thatcher cut corporation tax, more companies started to invest in Britain.
7/08/2008 at 09:16
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