Tories must act urgently to tackle poverty
Responding to research from the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation showing that 56% of people in poverty are in a working family, and that poverty has risen for children and pensioners over the last five years, Liberal Democrat Acting Leader Ed Davey said:
"The Conservatives can no longer hide behind low unemployment figures when it comes to poverty. Millions of people are trapped in bad jobs with insufficient hours and wages to make a decent living. And unnecessary welfare cuts have plunged more children and pensioners into poverty. This is unacceptable.
"People are tired of the Government's excuses. The upcoming budget must introduce concrete measures to create good-quality jobs, mend the social safety-net and reduce the cost of housing. The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for a more equal and prosperous society."
Commenting, Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Rugby Borough Council, added:
"The continued pressure and demand with children and families is recognised as a major challenge. There is a need to invest and put in place long term sustainable funding. Local authorities should be producing child poverty strategies and supporting our future citizens."
JRF Poverty Annual Report