As of yesterday, over 2 million people on the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will get a pay rise, showing how we are working to build a stronger, fairer economy in which people have the security of a higher pay packet to provide for their families.
Key facts: Over 2 million people will get a pay rise from yesterday thanks to an above-inflation rise in national living and minimum wage rates.
- The National Living Wage will go up by 4.4 per cent, from £7.50 to £7.83, meaning a full-time minimum wage worker will be over £2,000 better off since the introduction of the National Living Wage in April 2016.
- The uplift means a pay rise of over £600 a year for a full time worker on the National Living Wage – that could be two months food shopping or a year’s electricity bills.
- Moreover, 400,000 young workers are expected to benefit from the fastest increases in the National Minimum Wage in more than 10 years.
Why this matters: By increasing the National Living Wage, cutting income tax and freezing fuel duty for the eighth year running, we are helping millions with the cost of living, giving them more choice over how to use their pay packet and building an economy that works for everyone.
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Today we have announced a crack-down on rogue bailiffs who aggressively pursue debts, as we work to tackle injustices, and ensure that we have a stronger economy and a fairer society.
Key facts: The Government is launching a call for evidence following concerns that a minority of bailiffs are still acting aggressively when collecting money from debtors – particularly from vulnerable people.
- In 2014, the government brought in new laws to protect the public from aggressive enforcement agents, while at the same time making sure that debts could still be collected fairly.
- We have made positive progress since our changes. This includes better awareness around debtor rights and how to complain, more clarity for debtors about the fees that can be charged, the processes that should be followed, and where to go for advice.
- However, following concerns raised by the advice sector, the call for evidence which will be launched shortly seeks to address those minority of bailiffs who continue to flout the rules and aggressively pressure vulnerable people.
Why this matters: Aggressive tactics will not be tolerated, and through our call for evidence we will identify where the problems are and, if necessary, take action to ensure all bailiffs operate professionally and with proper respect and sensitivity. We want to ensure that burning injustices which can hold people back are removed, so that vulnerable people are protected from rogue bailiffs.
Jeremy Corbyn is still failing to deal with anti-Semitism in the Labour Party, despite criticism from Jewish community leaders and Labour MPs.
Key facts:
- The former head of Labour’s internal discipline panel Christine Shawcroft, who resigned after it emerged she opposed the suspension of a council candidate who had been accused of Holocaust denial, has now had to resign from the Labour NEC.
- A two-month investigation by the Sunday Times into the 20 biggest pro-Corbyn Facebook groups, has found that many of them contain anti-Semitic, racist and abusive comments.
- The Facebook groups covered in its report have a membership of around 400,000 people including 12 senior staff working for Jeremy Corbyn and shadow chancellor John McDonnell.
On 3 May, people across England have the chance to vote for Conservative councillors who deliver better service in your area with lower taxes for you.
Key facts:
- People can use their vote to decide how your local services are run, and how much you pay for them. This includes things like rubbish collection, street cleaning and road repairs.
- Conservative councillors deliver for their communities. They provide high quality local services – while keeping your council tax low, on average over £100 lower than other parties.
- Labour councillors mean higher council tax while offering poorer services. In Labour-run Birmingham bins have gone uncollected, leaving thousands of tonnes of waste in the street. In London, plans for new homes have been shelved because of political infighting.
- Labour leave you with less money in your pocket and worse services in your area.