Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, yesterday voted against the budget because it will make hard-working families in Wolverhampton worse off.

Speaking during the budget debate in Parliament on Monday, Emma said “I will vote against this Conservative government’s Budget because it will make hard-working families in my constituency worse off.

“The Chancellor’s claim that this is a budget for working families is a complete con. Although the increase in the minimum wage is welcome, people will be worse off because they will lose more in tax credits than they gain due to the higher minumum wage.

“A couple in full-time work on the minimum wage with two children will gain £1,500 from the increase in minimum wage but will lose over £2,200 from cuts to their tax credits.

“I am deeply concerned about those families in my constituency who rely on tax credits to boost their income and make ends meet. They are working hard and doing the right thing but they are being punished by this government. Yet again, this government are hitting women the hardest, with women losing twice as much as men.”

Speaking after the budget, Emma said: “I spoke in the budget debate on Monday and made my views and the position of the Labour Party clear. We oppose this budget because it makes hard working families, particularly those with children, worse off.”

You can read Emma’s speech here:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm150713/debtext/150713-0001.htm#15071319000026

July 2015