Norfolk MP reiterates calls for recent welfare cuts to be scrapped
The appeal comes from Norwich South's Clive Lewis following debate on living standards in Norfolk and the East of England
A local MP is reiterating calls for the two-child benefit cap and recent welfare cuts to be scrapped- during a debate.
Clive Lewis represents Norwich South and argues too many are 'trapped' with low pay and high living costs.
During this debate, the MP said:
"I'm pleased that the UK government is already taking steps that can help if sustained and expanded — from the Household Support Fund for councils, to targeted Cost of Living Payments for those on the lowest incomes, and investment in home energy efficiency to cut bills.
"These measures ease pressure on families, but they need to be part of a wider, long term plan. I am also urging that we take back our water companies and run them in the public interest and not for profit.
"Abroad, rent caps in Spain, regulated energy prices in France, large scale public housing investment in Singapore that keeps ownership costs far below market rates, and sector wide wage agreements in New Zealand show how targeted action can deliver real cost of living relief — but it also means being willing to challenge the fat cats who profit from keeping prices and housing costs high".
Issues raised:
• Pay and work: Median weekly pay in Norwich is £574 — below the UK average (£642) — with 1 in 5 workers earning less than the real Living Wage and 1 in 6 in insecure work, according to official figures.
• Housing : The median private rent in Norwich has risen by 22% since 2021, with one in four private renters in the East spending over 40% of their income on rent (source: Shelter and Government data).
• Rising costs: Food insecurity in January 2025 was double that of 2021 (source: Resolution Foundation)
• Regional inequality: The East receives below average per capita public investment (source: Institute for Fiscal Studies).
What's the Government said on this?
The Treasury says it upped the living and minimum wage in the spring- to help boost living standards.
You can read more on the Government's 'Plan for Change' here