Dundee LibDems back calls for a simplified benefits system (Dundee Liberal Democrats)

Dundee Liberal Democrats <info@dundeelibdems.org.uk>

Dundee LibDems back calls for a simplified benefits system

July 30, 2007 6:26 AM

Danny Alexander MP, speaking in the House of Commons

LibDems call for a simplified benefits system

Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Monday 30th July) backed calls for the benefits system to be simplified.

This follows publication of a recent House of Commons Select Committee report into benefits. The committee found that the system is too complex and the LibDems believe it is time for it to be sorted out.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Danny Alexander MP, said, "The current benefits system is facing a crisis of complexity. This report is yet more evidence of the Prime Minister's obsession with means-tested benefits.

"After 10 years of this Government, we have over 40 benefits being paid out by the DWP at hundreds of different rates."

Locally, here in Dundee, Liberal Democrat councillor for Strathmartine Ward, Cllr Helen Dick, added, "I know from attempting to help constituents with benefits problems just how complex the benefits system is and how the public is rightly confused by a maze of differing benefits and complicated rules.

"This is an issue the Westminster Government must tackle - around £2 billion was lost through benefit fraud and errors last year and the complexity of the benefits system is part of the reason for this."