Diane Defends Single Mums Against Fines

11 Nov 2009

Hackney North and Stoke Newington MP Diane Abbott yesterday criticised Government plans to fine lone parents who do not look for work when their children reach three years.

Welfare Reform Minister Jim Knight is pushing for lone parents with pre-school children to prepare for work or face a financial penalty.

But MPs are concerned that the fines will hit the poorest parents and prevent lone parents from looking after their children properly.

Speaking after the proposals were debated yesterday Diane said:

“These proposals are not in the best interests of the child. It is reasonable for a lone parent to wish to look after their child or children before the start attending school. They should not be fined for wishing to do so. Financial sanctions only mean that the children will miss out. Is that what we want? These proposals will not help eradicate child poverty, they will make the problem worse.”

Ends



back ⇢