Response to the Queen’s Speech

Benefit proposals must prioritise help for those facing disability and illness
17.05.05

Responding to the Queen’s Speech, Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group Kate Green OBE said:

'It is encouraging that the need to reduce poverty further has been mentioned in the Queen’s Speech and we look forward to it being a fundamental part of the Government’s programme over the coming months and years of this Parliament.

'Any changes to the benefit system must prioritise helping people facing disability and illness.

'Claimants who are ready and able to think about work need support and more flexible job opportunities. Those whose illness or disability make work unrealistic must not be left even worse off than they are now. Hundreds and thousands of children live in families who rely on the limited support Incapacity Benefit provides. Any threat to that support undermines progress on reducing child poverty,' she added.

'As people move towards work readiness, they will need a benefit that continues to provide adequate support to them and their families. Living on a low income compounds ill health and undermines opportunities and aspirations.'

For further comment:
Ashley Riley
Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216
Mobile 07811 324339
Email ariley@cpag.org.uk

Notes:

In today’s Queen’s Speech, the Government announced that ‘My government will continue its reform of the welfare state, in order to reduce poverty further, offer greater equality, and match rights with responsibilities.

My government will introduce legislation to reform support for housing costs.

A bill will be introduced to establish benefits which will facilitate a return to employment, while offering long-term support for those unable to work.‘