Local MP urges Tax Credit rethink to help working parents in Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

The Labour MP for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney, Gerald Jones, has hit out at plans by the Conservative UK Government to cut tax credits for local families.

Despite assurances by the Prime Minister during the General Election, David Cameron is breaking his promise to stand up for families.  Changes to tax credits will cost working families £1,300 a year from April 2016.

Speaking in Parliament, Gerald said:

 The Welfare Reform and Work Bill will introduce new conditionality for parents with a three or four-year-old child who are claiming jobseeker’s allowance. In the future, once a child reaches three, both their parents will be expected to look for and prepare for work.

Raising concerns about access to childcare provision, he continued:

The Welsh Labour Government currently support 10 hours of free childcare for three and four-year-olds, and there is additional support in “flying start” areas.  The Welsh Government want to expand availability once the financial consequentials of the plans for England are known, but that is against the backdrop of a significant cut—around £1.3 billion, or 10%—to the Welsh budget by the UK Tory Government.”

Gerald is asking local residents to join the campaign to oppose tax credit cuts by signing Labour’s petition.  You can sign by visiting www.labour.org.uk/taxcredits.  You can also follow Gerald on facebook and twitter.