At the meeting of Full Council, 11 November 2015, Kirklees Labour tabled a motion asking all political groups to act against Governments proposed changes to the welfare system, concerned as we are about the serious impact these changes would have on families throughout Kirklees.
“This Council is concerned by the effects the Government’s proposed changes to the welfare system, particularly but not exclusively to tax credits, as it demonstrates a clear attack on the lowest paid families.
Of particular concern is the effect these cuts will have on many of the low paid, hardworking families across Kirklees and the wider impact this will have on the diverse communities across the district.
We therefore request the following:
1. That Cabinet ask the Director of Resources to produce a report as to the effects of this attack on working families in Kirklees.
2. This Council therefore asks that the Chief Executive writes a letter to Government requesting it seriously reconsiders implementation of these changes, so as to not enforce further undue financial suffering to many already hard working families of Kirklees."
Two of Kirklees Labour's newest councillors delivered speeches to Council, highlighting the effects Governments proposed changes to the Welfare System, would have on hardworking families.
Councillor Marielle O'Neill, Batley West Ward, proposed the motion:
"I would like to propose this motion as the Government’s cuts to the Welfare system, especially cuts to tax credits will have a devastating impact in Kirklees. Kirklees Labour believes the tax credit changes would penalise hard working parents who are doing the right thing and taking responsibility for their families. The cuts to tax credits amount to a work penalty and will hit families on middle and lower incomes.
"As a young woman I am concerned about the effect these cuts will have on women and children. The Fawcett Society said there is no doubt women would be hit hard by the changes. Women are more likely to be on low incomes, relying on tax credits. The non-partisan Resolution Foundation found that the tax and benefit measures announced in the Summer Budget will push 200 thousand children into poverty next year. Most of these will be in working families.
"The cuts to tax credits hit the most vulnerable in our society. In my own constituency, Batley and Spen there are 13 thousand children in working families currently receiving tax credits. A staggering 60 per cent of families in Batley and Spen receive tax credits. I know a family in Batley West that will be over a thousand pounds worse off because of these cuts. I am proud to propose this motion. As politicians we should be fighting to ensure every child in Kirklees has a fair shot in life."
Councillor Sheikh Ullah, Greenhead Ward:
"I am very concerned about the impact on Kirklees residents of cuts to tax credits.
There are 16,800 families in Kirklees receiving Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits. These families are going to be negatively affected by these cuts.
It is expected that on average, families are likely to be worse off by £1,300 next year.
I know a family, who, if these cuts go ahead, will have to choose between the very basics, such as eating or heating.
Within those 16,800 families in Kirklees there are 33,700 children
33,700 children who will be living in Kirklees families and will be worse off next year if tax credits are cut.
Do we care about children in Kirklees? I Care, this is why I fully support this motion."
