Benefit failures branded ‘criminal’

BENEFIT reforms have failed in almost every way, Labour’s Rachel Reeves has said.

The shadow work and pensions secretary said Iain Duncan Smith was the man “with his own special Midas touch – everything he touches turns to a complete and utter shambles”.

The Leeds MP said flagship reform universal credit was “stuck in first gear”, while work capability assessments were “in meltdown” and the youth contract was an “embarrassing flop”.

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She said: “It would be comical if it wasn’t so criminal. We should be angry that taxpayers’ money is being squandered. That vulnerable people are being ill-treated. That lives are being scarred. That talent is being wasted.

“We should be angry – and they should be ashamed.

“The Tories will leave a truly toxic legacy. And for all their talk about cutting welfare, they’ve overspent on social security by £13bn in this Parliament with a rising in-work benefits bill left for the next government.”

Ms Reeves outlined to the delegates in Manchester Labour’s six point plan for new reform at the Department for Work and Pensions.

It includes a compulsory jobs guarantee to stop people being left on unemployment benefit for years on end, and basic skills tests to ensure gaps can be filled quickly when someone loses their job.

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Other plans include a youth allowance, a replacement for the work programme, further pension reforms and new tailored support for disabled people.

She said: “Conference, it’s not enough to get people into work if they’re still reliant on benefits to make ends meet. So we will get more workers paid a living wage.

“We’ve got 226 days left to fight for that with everything we’ve got. Conference, let’s make it happen.”