9 Dec 2010

Low benefits creating poverty, says welfare group

7:56 am on 9 December 2010

The report, Welfare Justice For All, says the welfare system has become dominated by a punitive stigma and a narrow focus on paid work.

The group's spokesperson, Sue Bradford, says it found the Government places no value on the role of carers and those carrying out voluntary work.

She says low benefit levels are a major contributor to rising debt, people using foodbanks, poor health and growing disparities.

Ms Bradford says the Government's police of what she calls "paid work at any cost" will hurt children, particularly those of sole parents.