The Government's data reveals a devastating failure in its sanctions regime.
According to the Green Party's Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March, benefit sanctions have no evidence of supporting people into paid employment. Instead, they deprive individuals of their means to survive, and are "blatant cruelty dressed up as policy." The Government's own data shows that despite a 126% increase in sanctions since last year, the number of people receiving the main benefit has reached its highest level in six years.
Menéndez March claims that the Government is relying on unemployment to lower inflation, while also doubling down on sanctions against unemployed individuals. He criticizes Minister Louise Upston for drawing a correlation between sanctions and people leaving benefits without any evidence to support this claim. The Green Party argues that there are no plans to provide enough jobs for every person on the benefit, condemning thousands of people to living below the poverty line.
The party proposes a fully costed plan to end poverty, including a wealth tax, liveable incomes, an end to benefit sanctions, and tailored support to connect people with suitable employment. This approach aims to address the root causes of unemployment and provide a more compassionate alternative to the Government's policies.