Green Party criticises Minister Upston's benefit sanctions policy.
The Green Party has accused the Government of failing to address poverty and instead opting for a policy that will only push people deeper into poverty. According to social development spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March, the latest MSD projections show that those with underlying health issues or housing insecurity are more likely to need benefits for longer.
Minister Upston has been accused of cherry-picking data to justify the use of benefit sanctions, which critics argue will not help people into work but instead trap them in poverty. The Green Party has called for a guaranteed minimum income, paid for by a fairer tax system, to address poverty.
Ricardo Menéndez March stated that the Government's policy is cruel and ignores overwhelming evidence that punching down on those in need will only exacerbate the problem. He added that instead of working to address the underlying drivers of insecurity, Minister Upston has chosen to belittle those in need with benefit sanctions.
The Green Party believes that the current economic conditions, coupled with young people not having their basic needs met, are major barriers to employment. The party is urging the Government to step up and support communities rather than finding excuses to tear them down.