![]() |
Liz Lynne MEP Liberal Democrat MEP for the West Midlands |
| www.lordsreformday.org.uk - 981 days and counting | <liz@lizlynne.org.uk> | 2nd December 2008 |
West Midlands poverty rise shows government neglect12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th Dec 2003 West Midlands Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has reacted to a new report on poverty by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which shows that the number of people in poverty in 2000/2001 increased in the West Midlands compared to five years previously. The West Midlands is the only region in the UK where poverty has risen. Liz said: "These figures confirm what many of us have been saying for years. The decline in manufacturing has not been tackled by the government and many areas in the West Midlands have been left to rot." The report also reveals that while West Midlands indicators for infant mortality, children in young offender institutions, employment for over 25s, obesity, burglaries, houses without central heating and homelessness have all increased, the only indicator that improved is the state of children's teeth. "These indicators suggest that what is admittedly only a small dip in relative poverty now could be part of a downward spiral. With the income levels and quality of life of West Midlanders both on the decline, the government must take action now to prevent the situation from getting worse." Related Link:
Bookmark this story at:
Related News Story:Thu 6th Nov 2008: As UK energy bills rise MEP calls on Government to tackle fuel poverty. Published and promoted by Liz Lynne MEP, 55 Ely Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6LN. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |