Labour has been in government for just three weeks, and here at CSAN, we’re closely monitoring several key areas. Here’s an overview of what we’re paying attention to:
Child Poverty
We are disappointed that the Labour manifesto did not include the removal of the two-child benefit cap, nor was it mentioned in the King’s Speech. This policy has been a significant point of contention, and its absence from Labour’s initial agenda is concerning. However, there is increasing pressure on the government to address this issue, particularly after the SNP called for a motion to end it. Seven Labour MPs have faced suspension for voting against the government on an amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, highlighting the internal divisions and the urgency of this matter.
On a positive note, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced the formation of a child poverty taskforce aimed at “addressing the root causes of poverty.” This taskforce will be jointly run by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Education, signalling a collaborative approach. We are optimistic that this initiative will lead to substantial progress in reducing the number of children living in poverty and addressing the systemic issues that contribute to this crisis.
Social Care
Labour has announced its intention to work towards establishing a National Care Service, setting minimum standards for care and achieving a collective agreement on pay and conditions for carers. This initiative is a welcome response to the deep-seated issues within the social care sector. The sector has long suffered from inconsistent standards, chronic staff shortages, and instances where people are not treated with the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.
The need for deep reform in social care cannot be overstated, and we call on Labour to ensure this priority remains high on their agenda. By setting higher standards and improving working conditions for carers, Labour can help ensure that everyone receives the high-quality care they need and deserve.
Housing
In her inaugural speech as Chancellor, Rachel Reeves vowed to “get Britain building again.” The Labour manifesto promises to build 1.5 million homes in England over the next five years. This ambitious goal, if met, could transform the housing landscape, making homes more accessible and affordable for a broader segment of the population. Labour is relying on the private sector to reach this target, however, CSAN hopes to see the Government invest in the social housing sector and improve conditions for those who rent. The housing crisis has been a longstanding issue, and this commitment to construction could alleviate some of the pressures faced by those struggling to find affordable housing.
Work
Labour aims to tackle rising levels of unemployment and insecure work by creating a national jobs and career service. The number of people out of work due to ill health has dramatically increased from 700,000 during the pandemic to 2.8 million. At CSAN, we hope to see effective support for those re-entering the workforce and finding suitable employment. This initiative should provide tailored assistance to individuals, helping them overcome barriers to employment and secure sustainable jobs.
Additionally, we urge the government to ensure that “work pays” by guaranteeing a real living wage across all sectors. This focus on fair wages is crucial in addressing in-work poverty and ensuring that employment provides a pathway out of poverty, rather than trapping individuals in low-paid, insecure jobs.
Asylum and Migration
Labour’s decision to scrap the controversial Rwanda deportation plan is also a positive step. This plan, which cost at least £700 million without resulting in any deportations, was both costly and ineffective. Its removal is a sign of Labour’s commitment to more just and humane immigration policies. We are pleased that the Bibby Stockholm barge will no longer be used to house asylum seekers, marking the end of an inhumane practice that has faced widespread criticism.
Furthermore, we support Labour’s commitment to tackling the gangs profiting from illegal migration and endangering lives. The exploitation of vulnerable individuals by these criminal networks is a serious issue, and we hope to see significant advancements in the asylum system under Labour’s leadership. This includes not only cracking down on illegal activities but also ensuring that the asylum process is fair, efficient, and compassionate.
As Labour begins to implement its policies, CSAN will continue to advocate for effective and compassionate solutions to these critical issues. We remain hopeful that this new government will bring about positive changes that address the root causes of poverty, improve access to affordable housing, create fair employment opportunities, create an affordable and dignified social care system, and establish an asylum and immigration system that keeps human dignity at the centre.
