I read in yesterday’s Guardian that Ed Balls has, finally, conceded that the credit crunch “is impacting on family finances … in a way no one anticipated”. Read more here.
Talk about too little too late. I want Labour to finally move on from their infighting and really think about the people who they’re supposed to be helping. Alistair Darling’s new package of tax cuts and compensation for those who lost out on the abolition of the 10p tax rate sounds good. But in reality those on the lowest incomes who lost £230 as a result will only gain £120 from higher allowances, according to the Guardian.
As the cost of living rises and the economy lurches from one crisis to another, more and more people are slipping into poverty without adequate support. Tax cuts and some compensation are one thing; access to free legal advice when you lose your job or your home is about to be repossessed and you can’t afford a lawyer is just as essential. Our chair, Liz Sewell, recently appeared on the BBC to talk about this issue.
It’s a tough time for Gordon Brown. But it’s an even tougher time for the people who need help most.
Totally agree.well written blog and interesting subject. are you going to be campaigning on this issue at all?
Hi Jane,
Thanks for your comments. As my post indicates, we are actively campaigning on the impact that funding cuts are having on access to free legal advice, and this issue is becoming increasingly critical as the credit crunch bites. Do get in touch if you’d like further information about this.
Best wishes,
Andy Gregg.