This week MPs voted on a Statutory Instrument – a mechanism used to amend existing legislation – put forward by the UK government which lowered the threshold for the amount of income a person can earn before they start to lose tax credits.

By using the Statutory Instrument mechanism it meant there was to be no debate on the issue.

Commenting Angela said:

“Since my election in May I have campaigned against welfare changes that are evidently hitting people in my constituency and across the country really hard.

“This week we saw the latest in that assault on the lowest paid with the UK Government drastically reducing the threshold for the amount an individual can earn before they start to lose tax credits – and they tried get these cuts through in an underhand manner, with as little debate or discussion as possible.

“Zero hours contracts, being self-employed, people changing jobs and returning from sickness or maternity – there are many reasons why a person’s income can fluctuate and it doesn’t necessarily mean a better paid job on a permanent basis.

“These proposals could actually be a disincentive to work as increasing hours or earnings may also seem less worthwhile if there is a risk that tax credits will be adjusted straight away, then re-adjusted the following month, causing uncertainty and confusion when living on a low income.

“I will continue to oppose these welfare changes that disadvantage the lowest paid in our communities.”