Blaenau Gwent MP’s call to aid Valleys’ poor (From South Wales Argus)

Blaenau Gwent MP’s call to aid Valleys’ poor

6:10pm Wednesday 13th February 2013 in News

CALL: Blaenau Gwent MP Nick Smith

BLAENAU Gwent MP Nick Smith has called on the Labour party to campaign on issues that sting local families and is asking residents for their ideas.

At a recent meeting in Ebbw Vale Mr Smith said: “In Blaenau Gwent we have 11 people chasing every job vacancy, 24 per cent workless and 17 per cent youth unemployment.

“People take part-time jobs when they need full-time work.

People in work are often on low wages – yet face high energy, food and fuel prices and live with job insecurity.”

He argued the government’s Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill is “divisive”.

Mr Smith said: “Cutting the benefits of the poorest won’t boost our economy. All the evidence shows that money they get they spend – so supporting local business.

“Labour must play a part in keeping our Ebbw Vale foodbank well stocked.Myoffice holds food vouchers, which it can give to people in pressing need.

“The bedroom tax will hit 678 residents in two-bed properties and 992 in three-bed properties.

Yet often smaller properties aren’t available.

“This spring I’ll be campaigning to Tackle Tough Times, and if you have ideas on how we can offer practical support to those struggling to manage, I’d love to hear from you.”