Why Being Poor Can Cost the Earth

Originally published by the Fabian Society:

Our economy has been hollowed out. More families are in work but struggling to make ends meet as underemployment, job insecurity and low pay dominates the lives of too many. On top of that millions of people pay more of what little they have for basic goods and services.

Poverty premium means that people living in poverty or on a low income are often paying more for the same goods and services than people who are better-off financially. Research from the University of Bristol suggests that this could cost low income families on average £490 a year. Of course, averages can hide extremes. In its worst manifestations, poverty premium can cost some households over £1000 a year.

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Some good news on Freehold Metrolink station!

The issues of anti-social behaviour on and around the Freehold Metro link has been a problem since the line’s opening in 2012. I since elected to Parliament have been liaising with TFGM and local residents to reach a solution to this issue.

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Monthly update for May

From the local elections  here in Oldham, to standing up for Shop Direct workers in Parliament, May has be an even busier month than usual.  

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Government finally take action on high-street gambling

The Government announced last week that the stake for Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) will be lowered from £100 to £2. This is a welcomed move!

It is encouraging to see the Government taking action on the evidence provided by the All Party Parliamentary Group, which I am a member of. The APPG and those involved in the campaign have been instrumental to shining a light on this issue.

This isn’t about taking away people’s fun and enjoyment, but it is about listening to the evidence that FOBTs are a corrosive and highly negative form of gambling. It is really not acceptable to be able to walk in off the street and stake such a high amount with no checks or safeguards in place whatsoever.

You can read more about this issue here. 

May has been a busy month in the constituency!

It’s been a a busy month in Oldham – and we’re barely half way through. There have been my usual opportunities to get out and about across the constituency, as well as the important matter of the local elections at the start of the month.