LABOUR’S position on cutting the benefits bill has descended into chaos.
Chancellor appeared to be adamant on the BBC yesterday morning at 6am that the bill would be cut before the next election.
But a couple of hours later, saying his words had been incorrectly interpreted.
The fuss all kicked off after the Chancellor was asked whether there would be a cut in the bill before the next polling day.
He replied: “There will be, there will be a reduction in the benefits bill, we’ll do that in a Labour way.”
Bear in mind that the Budget watchdog said on Wednesday that the bill would hit an by the start of the next decade.
Then shortly before 1pm, Number 10 told journalists that they had never set a target date.
popped up in the afternoon saying the government was working “flat out” and the bill would come down “as soon as possible”.
Fast forward to 4pm and the Chancellor tells that in this Parliament – scheduled at the moment to end in 2029.
An about-turn in just a matter of hours.
Two big reviews on the welfare system – from Alan Milburn and Sir Stephen Timms – will help frame the debate.
But after Labour shied away from benefits cuts last year it seems Andy Burnham doesn’t want to have the fight.
Mr Healey said cutting the welfare bill will be done in the Labour way – and it could take years.
Labour insiders are happy with how the Budget has gone this week. After all, the bond markets and the Parliamentary are on side.
The trouble is how much patience do taxpayers have to keep paying for Benefits Street?
