Foyle MP Mark Durkan has said that the British Government's plans to abolish income support could hit the most vulnerable in society.
The SDLP leader joined a number of MPs at Westminster in signing an Early Day motion raising concerns about the government’s Welfare Reform Bill which proposes getting rid of the benefit.
“The proposed abolition of Income Support is an attack on t
he most vulnerable members of society. Income Support is a crucial lifeline against poverty for parents, carers, those they care for and other vulnerable people.
“I also condemn the requirement in the Welfare Reform Bill that claimants with children over seven years old must find a job, or work for their benefits for £1.73 an hour if they are unsuccessful in finding work after two years,” he said.
Mr Durkan said the Bill, if passed, will damage the principles of the welfare state. “Any changes to the benefits system must not penalise the vulnerable or disadvantage anyone who genuinely needs support. This is all the more important during the current recession – in the context of rising unemployment and parents who are unable to access adequate and affordable childcare in their area.
“Such proposals only serve to erode the principles of the welfare state and the minimum wage. I am therefore calling on government to maintain Income Support in recognition of society's collective responsibility for child-rearing and the important work of carers and parents for society.
“As elected representatives we have an obligation to safeguard the rights of the vulnerable and provide better protections for all,” he said.
