These cuts will impact the most vulnerable people in our society. Figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in March 2025 show that “50% of people receiving the health-related element of Universal Credit (LCWRA) are either unable to heat their home, behind on bills, or have low or very low food security, compared to 11% in households not receiving any UC or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).1”
Leeds Green Party notes that the decision to gut welfare benefits cannot be divorced from the government’s refusal to take on the super-rich. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says these cuts are necessary to save around £6 billion, yet nearly four times this amount could be raised through a wealth tax of 1-2% on over £10 million; This tax would only affect roughly 27,340 people: the top 0.04 per-cent2.
We are on course for a repeat of the early 2010s, when disabled people were killing themselves because of Tory austerity. Now, this austerity is being carried out by the Labour Party.
Leeds Green Group Leader, Cllr Penny Stables (Wetherby) says:
“This is a shocking decision, making the most vulnerable in our society pay the price to balance the books.”
Cllr Mothin Ali (Gipton & Harehills) also commented:
“I represent one of the most deprived communities in Leeds, residents have already become very worried and are contacting me regarding these cuts. I am fearful of the effects these devastating cuts will have on my community, communities across Leeds and nationally. Councils will inevitably have to pick up the pieces, which will require additional funding from the national government.”
While Starmer and Reeves claim to be making tough decisions, the reality is they don’t have what it takes to stand up for ordinary working people and challenge the billionaires.
We call on all those in the Labour Party who believe in justice and common decency to put every pressure on their leadership to end these cruel cuts. This isn’t what people voted for. Where is the red line? What betrayal will be enough?
For more information, please contact Leeds Green Party on contact@leeds.greenparty.org.uk
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