MP calls for social security changes

MP Debbie Abrahams

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams used her first speech at the Labour Annual Conference in Liverpool yesterday to call for a change in the culture of the UK's social security system and the end of "punitive sanctions".

Mrs Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, argued that the system needed to be transformed into one that is "efficient, responsive, and provides basic support" to those unable to work through illness or disability.

The shadow secretary of state for work and pensions said: "Inequality is not inevitable.

"We are all here precisely because we know that change is both possible and necessary.

"Today there are 3.9 million children living in poverty, and children's charities are estimating that will be five million. Children being in poverty affects not just their childhood but their whole future life chances.

"And the five million disabled people living in poverty because of the extra costs that they face associated with their disability is set to increase as a result of even more cuts in social security support."

She added that the social security system should be based on principles of inclusion, support and security for all, assuring everyone of dignity and the basics of life if they fall on hard times.

Mrs Abrahams continued: "Work should always pay more than being on social security, but being in work shouldn't mean living in poverty and neither should being on social security.

"The Labour Party has already pledged to get rid of the discriminatory and unfair Bedroom Tax.

"But I want to go further. I want to scrap the discredited Work Capability Assessment and replace it with a system based on personalised, holistic support, one that provides each individual with a tailored plan, building on their strengths and addressing barriers, whether skills, health, care, transport, or housing-related."