John Healey: “Cutting welfare spending was a priority and announced that every mayor in England would have access to a Local…”

It is not progressive to allow a bigger and bigger benefits bill, and a system which offers an income but doesn't offer a future.

These times demand of us a greater resolve, a greater determination and a greater hope.

Our social security system must always be there for those who can never work. But for everyone else, benefits should be a bridge to work, to wider participation, to a better life, not a trap that people can’t escape.

5% represented a 'reasonable ceiling' on the tax.