Massive increase in working families forced to claim benefits

Steve Reed MP has spoken out in a parliamentary debate after in-work housing benefit has risen by over 1,100% in Croydon.

The Labour MP raised the shocking figures in response to the Queen’s Speech debate after the Government failed to announce any measures that will tackle Croydon’s affordable housing crisis.  Since 2010, there has been a 1100% increase in the number of working people claiming housing benefit at the same time as house building dropping to its lowest level since the 1920’s.

You can see Steve’s exchange with Business Secretary, Vince Cable: here

Speaking after the debate, Mr Reed said:

“These appalling figures expose the complete failure of David Cameron’s government to control housing benefit spending because more people are struggling to pay their rent.  Housing benefit is out of control under the Tories.

Instead of using the Queens’ speech to tackle the housing crisis, all the Government offered was more of the same. The huge increase in people who are in work claiming housing benefit is the result of the government’s failure to make work pay, tackle the cost-of-living crisis and build the new homes we need.

People in Croydon North want real action on all these things and only a Labour Government can deliver that. ”

You can see the figures from the Department of Work and Pensions full figures by clicking here