Gareth Snell Labour and Co-operative Candidate for Stoke-on-Trent Central
This afternoon I used my allotted question to the Prime Minister to raise the damning findings of the recent Hardship Commission report into Stoke-on-Trent that highlighted inequality in income, education and employment as the drivers behind poverty in our city.
It’s no surprise to those of us on the ground that the effects of austerity have had a damning effect on those who live in our communities. It’s shocking to think that within our city limits your postcode could determine your quality and length of life.
I’ve sent the Prime Minister a copy of the report and today I asked her to use her remaining time in office to look at fixing:
The mess that is universal credit.
To fund our schools and our further education colleges properly.
To raise the national living wage for under 25’s so that we can deal with the root causes of poverty.
Sadly, her answer reflected the attitude of her government. Out of touch with the needs and struggles of ordinary people.
You can read a copy of the Hardship report herehttps://tinyurl.com/yxbwtl8k