Manx Labour calls changes to benefits ‘assault on the poor’

Changes to employed person’s benefits, set to go before Tynwald today, have been labelled ‘an assault on the poor’ by the Manx Labour Party.

If approved, working families with low-to-moderate incomes would have to take on more hours to qualify for the allowances as of June 2020, though couples would be able to combine their totals.

Richard Halsall of the Manx Labour Party (MLP) describes these as ‘callous and cruel’ changes that will force people into competing for low-paying, insecure employment.

He’s blasted the measures, which be believes are driven by a ‘right-wing ideology that worships the wealthy and punishes the poor’.

Treasury Minister has Alfred Cannan dismissed the MLP’s criticism, and says the party hasn’t offered ‘alternative solutions to the Island’s problems, bar tax rises’.

Defending his record in supporting low-income families, he’s listed a rise in personal allowances of £3000 in three years, increases in child benefit, and other welfare incentives.