Menu
23/01/2012
Benefits Cap Provokes Lib Dem Split
A major figure in the Liberal Democrats is leading a major rift within the party over plans to implement a cap on benefit payments.
Paddy Ashdown is leading the inter-party rebellion against the cuts, which would see a maximum level of claimable household benefits set at the average take-home wage of £26,000.
An alliance of bishops, senior Liberal Democrats and independent peers have joined the former Lib Dem leader's campaign to derail the Government's welfare reforms.
Speaking over the weekend, Mr Ashdown said: "I [have] voted with the Government on everything until now.
"I see it as my job as an ex-leader to support my successor but I will not support the benefit cap in its present form."
The legislation is currently in the House of Lords and could be amended to remove the clause on benefit caps.
Ian Duncan Smith has defended the plan, saying on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday morning that the plans would not provoke a rise in either child or adult poverty.
"Our department does not believe that you can directly apportion poverty to this particular measure," he said.
"At £26,000 a year, it's very difficult to believe that families will be plunged into poverty."
(DW)
Paddy Ashdown is leading the inter-party rebellion against the cuts, which would see a maximum level of claimable household benefits set at the average take-home wage of £26,000.
An alliance of bishops, senior Liberal Democrats and independent peers have joined the former Lib Dem leader's campaign to derail the Government's welfare reforms.
Speaking over the weekend, Mr Ashdown said: "I [have] voted with the Government on everything until now.
"I see it as my job as an ex-leader to support my successor but I will not support the benefit cap in its present form."
The legislation is currently in the House of Lords and could be amended to remove the clause on benefit caps.
Ian Duncan Smith has defended the plan, saying on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Monday morning that the plans would not provoke a rise in either child or adult poverty.
"Our department does not believe that you can directly apportion poverty to this particular measure," he said.
"At £26,000 a year, it's very difficult to believe that families will be plunged into poverty."
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 October 2011
Gov Tax Plans Will Increase Poverty – IFS
A report by a major economic research institute has found the Governments policies on tax and benefits will lead to a major increase in poverty over the next few years. The forecast from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) into the UK's poverty levels up to 2021 predicts poverty will rise by about 600,000 children and 800,000 working-age adults.
Gov Tax Plans Will Increase Poverty – IFS
A report by a major economic research institute has found the Governments policies on tax and benefits will lead to a major increase in poverty over the next few years. The forecast from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) into the UK's poverty levels up to 2021 predicts poverty will rise by about 600,000 children and 800,000 working-age adults.
03 February 2005
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
Mandela addresses anti-poverty rally in London
Former South African president, Nelson Mandela, has told the crowds at an anti-poverty rally in London that the fight against poverty was as important as the fight against slavery.
15 April 2013
Benefits Cap Begins In London
A government-imposed cap on benefit payments is to be rolled out in four London boroughs from today. Between July and September of this year, the cap will be imposed across England, Scotland and Wales.
Benefits Cap Begins In London
A government-imposed cap on benefit payments is to be rolled out in four London boroughs from today. Between July and September of this year, the cap will be imposed across England, Scotland and Wales.
07 October 2010
Cap On Benefits Will Encourage 'Responsibility'
The Culture Secretary has said the state should not support families who get more in benefits than the average family earns. He said that introducing a new cap on family benefits will encourage "responsibility" about the number of children people have.
Cap On Benefits Will Encourage 'Responsibility'
The Culture Secretary has said the state should not support families who get more in benefits than the average family earns. He said that introducing a new cap on family benefits will encourage "responsibility" about the number of children people have.
24 September 2004
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
