Becki (She/They)The #AutumnStatement from #JeremyHunt
🧵🧵🧵 (my initial thoughts)
Can it be clarified: is the "#NationalLivingWage the same as the #NationalMinimumWage? Because if not, then a "raise" is pointless...?
I've noticed that there's a lot of deflection - "It's bad her, but oh look, it's worse there!"
Focus on here please, and less elsewhere.
#DWP #DepartmentforWorkandPensions
A rise of "economically inactive working age adults of 630,000 since the start of the pandemic": This is unsurprising, and I'm glad their noting that this is probably an impact of the pandemic. They are going to do a review into WHY.
Now I think that's a good idea, BUT, I don't trust it. There are many things impacting on people working, from being carers, to the issue around the gig economy. I don't trust any research the #Tory government implements.
Let's point out this quote from #JeremyHunt: "I am also committed to helping people already in-work to raise their incomes, progress in work, and become financially independent." This is good, but it's not the people in employment's fault. It's the employer and the government.
Also, when does the #DWP expect these people who are in employment to meet with these "work coaches"? This is once again punishing those who are trying to make ends meet.
I'm really glad to see that #EmploymentAndSupportAllowance #ESA will now not be folded into #UniversalCredit until 2028. This is something that has terrified many, me included.
#JeremyHunt investing more in #Fraud and error shows that there is still a bad narrative of claimants
Turning to #Education - another area of passion for me.
I agree, children SHOULD be provided with "good education". Although I will say, how can we expect children to access this education if they are cold or hungry? Living in #poverty, struggling in #mould filled homes?
Seeing an increase of £2.3 billion per year for schools, and a "thank you" to school staff is a positive move - but I wonder what the #DepartmentofEducation #DfE will do when it comes to defining where this money goes. Having seen the changes in the Dfe... I don't trust it
Now: #HealthAndSocialCare #NHS
I did chuckle when #JeremyHunt mentioned being a former #HealthSecretary cause it reminded me of his nickname. I won't say it here.
Workforce shortages are a HUGE issue. Let's recognise both #Brexit and #Covid.
I'm glad to see more funding for #AdultSocialCare - as this has been too low for too long. We need more flexibility for employees to access #FlexibleWorking so they can support their loved ones. We need to enable more #pensioners to access support at home from the council.
I am SO happy to see a move towards more #RenewableEnergy. This is integral to both our #economy and our #environment. It helps #employment as well.
Section titled "#VulnerablePeople and #Pensioners"
Capping social rent at a maximum of 7% is something. It's better than the 11% that was predicted. With the #NationalLivingWage this should help.
I criticise the tories a lot. I despise them. But I will give some credit.
The uplift to working age benefits and disability benefits will be set at 10.1% - this is actually something of a surprise. For once, I feel slightly seen by this government as a #disabled person myself who must rely on benefits.
I mentioned #NationalLivingWage at the start of this 🧵 I'm disgusted at the amount difference for those under 23.
I understand under 18's being paid less - they're still in education.
18-20 year olds: £7.49 an hour
21-22 year olds: £10.18
23 +: £10.42
NO EXCUSE!