Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Caroline Flint - Let's chuck our children out on the streets why don't we?

This morning I am back in spitting blood mode. The news that Caroline Flint has come up with a novel idea of throwing people out of their homes if they don't look for work has left me dumbfounded. Clearly the New Labour strategy for taking on the Tories is to be even more Tory, playing to the Daily Mail/Express gallery. So why do I think she is wrong?

Now I am not defending those who just don't want to work, but firstly, those on "Job Seekers Allowance" are already supposed to be seeking work, the clue is in the name, if the DWP are failing, despite all their investment in various schemes to get people back into work, that is the problem they need to fix.

Secondly and far more importantly, how does making a family homeless help them to become gainfully employed? How does it contribute to the life chances of their children who are already facing an uphill battle to compete with their more affluent peers?

And thirdly, how does this square with the government's alleged commitment to ending child poverty?


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can join you in spitting blood! As well as all your comments can I add - not all benefit claimants are council tenants. How to totally victimise council house tenants!

Susan

Anonymous said...

Hey, good post. I hadn't really considered the effect of the proposals on children in families, doubt many others will either unfortunately. I wrote about this too, and have added a link to this post to make sure anyone reading doesn't forget how far reaching the effects of such a change could be!

Random Passerby said...

Oh, noes. Won't somebody think of the cheeeeldrunnnnn???

I guess it's better for them to grow up in households where nobody works and everybody sits around watching telly and drinking beer all day...

Good for Ms. Flint.

Linda Jack said...

There is nothing so important for anyone as a home. I am sorry, strangely enough Belle, I do not think it is better for children to be out on the streets, or being thrown from pillar to post in bed and breakfast, however much we may "disapprove" of the behaviour of their parents. But clearly you do. Shame on you.