INCOME SUPPORT

Early day motion 1609, tabled 8 June 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House condemns the proposed abolition of income support which is a crucial lifeline against destitution and poverty for parents, carers, those they care for and other vulnerable people; further condemns the requirement contained in the Welfare Reform Bill that claimants with children over seven years old must find a job or work for their benefits for £1.73 an hour if they are unsuccessful in finding work after two years; notes that unemployment has risen to over two million and that many parents cannot access affordable childcare in their area; deplores this erosion of the principles of the welfare state and the minimum wage, and regrets the hardship that many families will now face; and calls on the Government to maintain income support in recognition of society's collective responsibility for childrearing and the important work of carers and parents for society.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, Liberal Democrat 10, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, DUP 2, Independent 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.