Wednesday, 27 October 2010

Coalition In Disarray Over Plans To Cap Housing Benefit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11633163

Planned changes to Housing Benefit appear to be in chaos today. 

A Coalition spokesperson was swift to deny that they are planning to back down over plans to cap payments at £400 for a four-bedroom home.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is clearly under pressure from both Tory and Liberal Democrat MPs to re-think the idea, which many believe will drive those seeking work out of big cities because of high living-costs.

And the Secretary of State is facing further criticism over fears that the changes could be hurriedly implemented without primary legislation.

MPs were today seeking a meeting with Mr Duncan-Smith determined to force a vote on the issue. And quite rightly too -  this is legislation that will fundamentally affect people's daily lives.

Of particular concern to MPs was the plan to remove the benefit safety-net for those under 35 suffering from a mental illness as such a move would force them out of their own homes into shared accomodation.

Do the Government really think that they can push through such important changes without a proper debate in Parliament?

Ministers are showing that they are not just arrogant but that they hold the electorate in complete contempt. 

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