Since 2010, child poverty has increased nationally by half a million, working-age poverty by 200,000 and pensioner poverty by 400,000.
Over the last nine years this Tory government has implemented a series of damaging policies that have left the most vulnerable falling through the cracks.
It is always hard to hear, but as one of the most deprived areas in London my constituency has been disproportionately hit year on year by Tory reforms, and most recently the roll out of Universal Credit; a failing project which is leaving many without the help they need.
The Conservatives have created a chasm in society with huge tax breaks for the rich, and further restrictions on support for the most vulnerable – not to mention zero-hour loopholes which are causing a downward trend in real term wages.
It doesn’t have to be like that.
This year, despite crippling austerity cuts to local authority funding, Barking and Dagenham has been recognised as one of the most innovative Labour authorities in the country. Youth Services have been one of the biggest casualties of a Tory government, but in just a few short weeks London’s first Youth Zone will be opening its doors in the borough providing activities and opportunities for our young people.
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