Calls on Government to address the needs of the working poor

In response to today’s report from the Treasury Select Committee, the National Consumer Council calls on the Government to address the needs of the UK’s five million working poor who will be penalised by the abolition of the 10p tax rate.

In research to be published in July, the NCC will highlight the plight of low-income workers. One such worker summed up her situation, ‘Give low earners a fighting chance’. The report will call on the Government to recognise the needs of those on low incomes who fall outside their policies on social exclusion.

Nicola O’Reilly, from the National Consumer Council, said, ‘The Government must address the needs of the UK’s working poor, who are at serious risk of poverty and social exclusion. Our research shows workers who don’t claim benefits feel ignored by government. Government policy should help people to help themselves. People have told us they feel left alone to struggle, with limited opportunity to prepare for their future as tomorrow’s parents and tomorrow’s pensioners.’