Draft Queen's Speech

Wednesday, 14 May 2008 12:31

CPAG: Punishing disadvantaged groups is wrong

Wednesday, 14, May 2008 12:00

Child Poverty Action Group chief executive Kate Green opposes behavioural contracts for social housing, as proposed in Gordon Brown's draft Queen's Speech.

"Creating special punishments for disadvantaged groups is wrong," Ms Green said.

"If behaviour is unacceptable there should be one rule for all, regardless of whether you're rich or poor."

CPAG welcomes moves to strengthen flexible working and training rights.

And plans to extend the savings gateway scheme could "protect families who may otherwise get in debt", Ms Green added.

But she remains reserved about the contents of a new green paper on welfare reform, saying it "provides a chance to get welfare reform back on track".

"It must focus on ensuring families unable to work are not condemned to live year after year below the poverty line and that child poverty eradication is the driving principle."

NHBC: Support for first time buyers welcome

Work Wise UK: Flexible working will bring benefits

NHS Confederation: NHS constitution a challenge

BSA: Too many measures left behind

ABI: Floods and water bill welcome

UCU doubtful on 'demand-led skills'

ATL: Govt not offering the right opportunities

PCS: Civil services cutbacks are contradictory

NASUWT: Schools could crumble under the pressure

NHF: Government committed to tackling housing crisis

CML: Government approach 'more logical'

IoD: More regulation could be counter-productive

Unlock Democracy: Party funding left behind

Liberal Democrats Brown is 'scraping the legislative barrel'

Help the Aged: Equality should extend to older people

NUT: Education bill mixes good and bad

CPAG: Punishing disadvantaged groups is wrong

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