Some may ask, rightly, how Labour will pay for its policies. Aside from the possibility of making the wealthiest pay more taxes when the poorest struggle most, Labour’s policies save money for the long term.
The Bedroom Tax actually costs this country. Many are pushed out of their homes and need to take private accommodation. They cannot afford the rent and so the state must pay more in housing benefits. Further, some people are struggling financially so much that they and their families cannot afford to eat properly. Long term, it is the children of these families that are less likely to be able to lift themselves out of poverty and contribute to the economy.
Extending childcare may seem like it will cost more, but it actually allows parents to work. This means more tax revenues, more consumer spending and more productivity for businesses. It also improves the lives for those families - economic and social gains.
A healthy economy is one where its workers are healthy. Scrimping on the NHS and/or allowing government funds to provide business profits to private providers will not help people back to health as quickly as it could. A free health service running well, allows society to function - happier people fit for work with a stronger economy as a result.
Powerful energy companies are being allowed to push the people around. Many families cannot afford to eat or heat themselves properly due to rising bills and energy profits. This is bad for happiness and bad for the economy. How are society’s children going to get the best out of their education if they cannot be provided for at home due to poverty? That’s why Labour will take action to stop private companies profiting from poverty.
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