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Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell answers your questions

Presented by

Tim Hood

Submit questions by Mar 11 2009
Interview published on Mar 13 2009

The background

Benefits and Pensions are very much in the news right now - to put your questions to the Work and Pensions Secretary, simply click on the "ask" button below.

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James Purnell

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mthornton is asking James Purnell: "There is always discussion on benefits, stay at home parents etc. I would like to know what is going to happen to help working families. I have read about parents being required to work after their..." Show more »"There is always discussion on benefits, stay at home parents etc. I would like to know what is going to happen to help working families.

I have read about parents being required to work after their children turn 7 which I completely agree with. There is no need for a parent to stay home whilst their children at at home all day. My question is in regard to those that do work. Because the income threshold (amount required to live) is so low, workers don't really receive much benefit from actually working when wages are so low. I think the threshold should be higher for workers so that a benefit can be seen to work rather than be on benefits. Many of my friends do not work simply because their rent, council tax etc is paid and also they can claim community care grants when needed for their children. There should be a guarantee that if you work, you will receive £so much above the benefits threshold to help with extra costs to help those working on low incomes. Free education should be offered for all up to a certain level. And the childcare allowance needs to be address in regards to tax credits. I have three children under 5 and the £300 claim limit doesn't cover the 85% at all with the rising cost of childcare. This limit needs to be highered if parents are expected to return to work. Especially during holidays when children are off school and needing care." Show less »
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0 comment | Topic: Pay and Conditions | Email to friends | Mar 07 2009 7:20:07 PM |

lourowntree is asking James Purnell: "Hello I am a mother of twin girls I would like to understand why on earth i feel like i am stuck in a hole when it comes to benefits and my future. My husband is just on the threshold for the top amount..." Show more »"Hello
I am a mother of twin girls I would like to understand why on earth i feel like i am stuck in a hole when it comes to benefits and my future. My husband is just on the threshold for the top amount which excludes us from claiming tax credits. So you might say we take home good money and shouldn't complain but when you factor in that our mortgage is almost half his salary then add bills on top this does not leave very much to feed, cloth and look after our twin girls. I didn't plan to be a stay at home mum but can see no financial incentive for me to return to work if i have to pay for two nursery places and i was fortunate that i did have a good career but what about all those twin mums who are on min. wage. " Show less »
12
0 comment | Topic: Local Issues | Email to friends | Mar 04 2009 1:51:06 PM |

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