cwp pamela trevithick powerpoint 61 slides final

Women’s poverty and the Women’s poverty and the wider picture:wider picture:

an evidence-based journeyan evidence-based journey

Pamela TrevithickPamela TrevithickFeminist activistFeminist activist

Confronting Women’s Confronting Women’s Poverty: Poverty:

turning things aroundturning things around

A one-day eventA one-day eventInternational Women’s Day 2013 International Women’s Day 2013

(8(8thth March) March)Bristol City HallBristol City Hall

Cutting Women Cutting Women OutOut

This This presentation presentation builds on the builds on the

report produced report produced by the Bristol by the Bristol Fawcett Anti-Fawcett Anti-Cuts Group – Cuts Group –

Cutting Women Cutting Women Out in BristolOut in Bristol

(2010 )(2010 )

I do not propose I do not propose to cover issues to cover issues highlighted in highlighted in

Vicky Boroughs’s Vicky Boroughs’s presentation on presentation on

the impact of the the impact of the cuts on women’s cuts on women’s employment and employment and low pay statuslow pay status

What I plan to What I plan to covercover1 An overview of the impact 1 An overview of the impact

of theof the cuts on women cuts on women

2 The poverty picture in the 2 The poverty picture in the UK – UK – indicators of hardship indicators of hardship

3 The price of inequality3 The price of inequality

4 Why cuts are not the cure 4 Why cuts are not the cure . . . .. . . .

Government policy has a direct bearing on Government policy has a direct bearing on the extend to which millions of people are the extend to which millions of people are forced to live in poverty. The impact of forced to live in poverty. The impact of these policies disproportionately affect these policies disproportionately affect women in women in six key areassix key areas::

1. as workers1. as workers2. as mothers2. as mothers3. as carers3. as carers4. as benefit claimants4. as benefit claimants5. as users of key services5. as users of key services6. as citizens6. as citizens

This has been summarised to by the Fawcett Society as the ‘triple jeopardy’ that women face in terms of –(1) slashed benefits(2) job loses (3) loss of core public servicesFawcett Society - http://www.fawcettsociety.org.uk/the-triple-jeopardy-2/

1. The impact of the cuts on 1. The impact of the cuts on womenwomen

An analysis by the Women’s Budget An analysis by the Women’s Budget Group (2010) shows thatGroup (2010) shows that: :

- the groups that will suffer the greatest - the groups that will suffer the greatest reduction in reduction in their standard of living due to cuts in their standard of living due to cuts in public services public services are are lone parents lone parents andand single single pensionerspensioners, the majority, the majority of whom are women; of whom are women;

- - lone parents lone parents will lose services worth will lose services worth 18.5% 18.5% andand female single pensioners female single pensioners services services worth worth 12% 12% of of their respective incomes; their respective incomes; Women’s Budget Group - http://www.wbg.org.uk/ Women’s Budget Group - http://www.wbg.org.uk/

Overview: Women’s Budget Overview: Women’s Budget GroupGroup


- overall single women will lose services - overall single women will lose services worth worth 60% 60% moremore than single men will lose as proportions of than single men will lose as proportions of theirtheir respective incomes, and respective incomes, and nearly three nearly three times times those lostthose lost by couples by couples

- - the cuts will lead to hundreds of the cuts will lead to hundreds of thousands of womenthousands of women losing their job. losing their job. 65% 65% of all public sectors of all public sectors workers are workers are womenwomen whose pay and conditions of whose pay and conditions of employmentemployment are are likely to deteriorate without our support likely to deteriorate without our supportWomen’s Budget Group (2010) - Women’s Budget Group (2010) - http://wbg.org.uk/RRB_Reports_4_1653541019.pdf



- cuts in welfare spending fall - cuts in welfare spending fall disproportionately on thedisproportionately on the finances of women. Child Benefit is paid finances of women. Child Benefit is paid almost almost 100% 100% to women; while to women; while 53% 53% of Housing Benefit of Housing Benefit claimants claimants are single women. Both benefits have are single women. Both benefits have been cut been cut significantly in real terms and eligibility significantly in real terms and eligibility has been has been tightened tightened Women’s Budget Group (2010) - Women’s Budget Group (2010) - http://wbg.org.uk/RRB_Reports_4_1653541019.pdf

Cuts in public services will almost Cuts in public services will almost inevitably increase women’s inevitably increase women’s caring caring responsibilities responsibilities and add further and add further barriers barriers to the employment to the employment opportunities for opportunities for womenwomen



Employment: and the public Employment: and the public sector sector Just under Just under 40% 40% of women’s jobs of women’s jobs nationally are in the public sector - in the nationally are in the public sector - in the NHS, schools and caring services - NHS, schools and caring services - compared to around compared to around 15% 15% for men’s jobsfor men’s jobsWomen’s Budget Group (2010) - Women’s Budget Group (2010) - http://wbg.org.uk/RRB_Reports_4_1653541019.pdf

Within this picture UK childcare costs Within this picture UK childcare costs are rising at more than are rising at more than twice the rate of twice the rate of inflationinflationHaroon Sidddique (2013) - Haroon Sidddique (2013) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2013/mar/06/childcare-costs-twice-rate-inflation



http://wbg.org.uk/RRB_Reports_4_1653541019.pdf

Income inequality hits women Income inequality hits women the hardestthe hardest

Throughout the last decade, a much Throughout the last decade, a much larger proportion of larger proportion of women women than men than men have have been low paid been low paid

In 2010, around In 2010, around 3½ million 3½ million employees employees aged 22 to retirement were paid less aged 22 to retirement were paid less than than £7 £7 per hour. per hour. 22⁄⁄33 were were women women and and 11⁄⁄33 were were menmen

Among the low-paid part-timers, women Among the low-paid part-timers, women predominate. predominate. In total, in 2010 almost In total, in 2010 almost 22⁄⁄5 5 of all of all part-part-time workerstime workers were paid less than were paid less than £7 £7 per hourper hourThe Poverty Site - The Poverty Site - http://www.poverty.org.uk/51/index.shtml


http://www.poverty.org.uk/51/index.shtml

According to a Daycare Trust Childcare According to a Daycare Trust Childcare Costs Survey a part-time nursery place Costs Survey a part-time nursery place (25 hours) for a child under two years (25 hours) for a child under two years rose to an estimated rose to an estimated £106.38 a week £106.38 a week and a full-time place to and a full-time place to £11,000 £11,000 a yeara year

A Daycare survey snapshot showed that a A Daycare survey snapshot showed that a place at Britain’s costliest nursery place at Britain’s costliest nursery (£42,000) ran at (£42,000) ran at 25% more 25% more than a place than a place at a top public school such as at a top public school such as Charterhouse (£30,574 a year) Charterhouse (£30,574 a year) Daycare Trust - http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/pages/childcare-costs-surveys.html


Childcare Childcare costscosts

http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/pages/childcare-costs-surveys.html

2. Poverty in 2. Poverty in the UKthe UK

2010–112010–11 – the estimated UK population – the estimated UK population living below the poverty line was living below the poverty line was 13.013.0 millionmillion (21.3%) (21.3%) when housing costs are when housing costs are taken into considerationtaken into consideration Institute of Fiscal Studies (2012) Institute of Fiscal Studies (2012) http://www.ifs.org.uk/comms/comm124.pdf

Relative povertyRelative poverty – indicates the proportion of individuals – indicates the proportion of individuals with household incomes below with household incomes below 60% 60% of the of the average (median) household income in a average (median) household income in a particular year after income tax, council particular year after income tax, council tax and housing costs have been deducted tax and housing costs have been deducted Institute of Fiscal Studies (2012) - Institute of Fiscal Studies (2012) - http://www.ifs.org.uk/comms/comm124.pdf

Poverty Poverty statistics statistics

The ‘End Child Poverty’ coalition, which is The ‘End Child Poverty’ coalition, which is made up of more than 150 organisations made up of more than 150 organisations and groups, calculate than and groups, calculate than 4 million 4 million children children – – one in three one in three – are currently – are currently living in poverty in the UK. This is one of living in poverty in the UK. This is one of the highest rates in the industrialised the highest rates in the industrialised world world End Child Poverty - http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk

Ian Duncan Smith and the schools Ian Duncan Smith and the schools minister, David Laws, want to introduce a minister, David Laws, want to introduce a new range of indicators that include new range of indicators that include family stabilityfamily stability,, worklessnessworklessness and and educational achievementeducational achievementPatrick Wintour (2012) - Patrick Wintour (2012) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/14/iain-duncan-smith-child-poverty


Child Child poverty poverty

http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/

Child Poverty in Child Poverty in BristolBristol

The ‘Ending Child The ‘Ending Child Poverty’ Map of Poverty’ Map of the estimated the estimated number of number of children in children in poverty in Bristol poverty in Bristol in 2012 = in 2012 = 21,366 children21,366 children

The estimated The estimated percentage of percentage of Bristol children in Bristol children in poverty in 2012 = poverty in 2012 = 2525% of children


End Child Poverty - http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/why-end-child-poverty/poverty-in-your-area#map

http://www.endchildpoverty.org.uk/why-end-child-poverty/poverty-in-your-area#map



Other examples of the Other examples of the hardships experienced by hardships experienced by people on low incomes or people on low incomes or people living below the people living below the poverty line covered in this poverty line covered in this presentation include:presentation include: fuel poverty fuel poverty food poverty food poverty homelessness homelessness debt debt


What is fuel poverty? What is fuel poverty? A household is said to be experiencing A household is said to be experiencing fuel poverty if it needs to spend more fuel poverty if it needs to spend more than than 10% 10% of its income on fuel to of its income on fuel to maintain an adequate level of warmth. In maintain an adequate level of warmth. In England, fuel poverty is modelled using England, fuel poverty is modelled using the data from the English Housing the data from the English Housing Survey (EHSSurvey (EHS) )

It is estimated that around It is estimated that around 66 million UK million UK households are households are currently living in fuel povertycurrently living in fuel povertyEnd Fuel Poverty - End Fuel Poverty - http://endfuelpoverty.org.uk/

Fuel Fuel povertypoverty


http://endfuelpoverty.org.uk/

Utility Utility pricesprices

GasGas

SoaringSoaring gas profits. gas profits. An announcement in An announcement in March 2013 showed an March 2013 showed an 11%11% increase in increase in profits for British Gas and its parent group, profits for British Gas and its parent group, Centrica a staggering Centrica a staggering £1.3 billion£1.3 billion promised promised to shareholdersto shareholdersTerry Macalister (2013) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2013/feb/27/centrica-british-gas-increase-profit

Why? Poor regulation Why? Poor regulation - - Despite some new requirements on companies to publish the accounts of their retail businesses, the prices they pay for the gas they supply to customers remainsremains unknownunknown, , even to Ofgem even to Ofgem (which regulates the electricity and gas markets in Great Britain), which does not have jurisdiction beyond UK bordersTim Webb (2010) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/nov/26/ofgem-intervenes-Tim Webb (2010) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/nov/26/ofgem-intervenes-electricity-gas-profitselectricity-gas-profits


Thames WaterThames Water and and Anglian WaterAnglian Water paid no paid no corporation tax on the corporation tax on the profits. Indeed, in 2012 profits. Indeed, in 2012 Thames Water enjoyed a Thames Water enjoyed a £76m tax rebate£76m tax rebate. . As a As a reward, Martin Baggs, reward, Martin Baggs, chief executive, received a chief executive, received a bonus of bonus of £420,000£420,000 on on top top of his of his £425,000£425,000 salarysalary

He is said to be in line for a He is said to be in line for a further windfall of further windfall of £1m£1m based on company based on company performance through to performance through to 20152015Daniel Boffey, Ian Griffiths and Toby Helm (2012) - Daniel Boffey, Ian Griffiths and Toby Helm (2012) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/nov/10/water-companies-tax

WatWaterer


Daily Mirror › February 06, 2013

Utility Utility pricesprices

What is food poverty?What is food poverty?The Department of Health has defined food The Department of Health has defined food poverty as poverty as “the inability to afford, or to have access to, food “the inability to afford, or to have access to, food to make up a healthy diet.”to make up a healthy diet.”

Massive growth in foodbanksMassive growth in foodbanks2009: 2009: The Trussell Trust approved The Trussell Trust approved 2828 food food banksbanks 2013:2013: there are there are 325325 foodbanks currently in foodbanks currently in operation + three more added weekly operation + three more added weekly 2011-12: 2011-12: foodbanks fed foodbanks fed 128,687 people 128,687 people nationwidenationwideThe Trussell Trust - The Trussell Trust - http://www.trusselltrust.org/foodbank-project

USA USA - an estimated - an estimated 37 million people 37 million people receive charity foodreceive charity foodCanadaCanada - an estimated - an estimated 900,00900,00 people use food banks each month people use food banks each month

Some eligible children denied access to free Some eligible children denied access to free school mealsschool mealsPatrick Butler (2013) - Patrick Butler (2013) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/07/children-ineligible-free-school-meals-poverty


Food Food povertypoverty

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/07/children-ineligible-free-school-meals-poverty

Bristol foodbanks - and other places Bristol foodbanks - and other places - offering hot food:- offering hot food:The Salvation Army - Bristol Citadel & Candle The Salvation Army - Bristol Citadel & Candle Community CentreCommunity CentreBristol Methodist CentreBristol Methodist CentreBristol Soup Run TrustBristol Soup Run TrustChurches Together WatershedChurches Together WatershedChurches Together Broadmead Bus Station by subwayChurches Together Broadmead Bus Station by subwayChurches Together, Queens RoadChurches Together, Queens RoadJulian TrustJulian TrustMatthew Tree Project Carpenters Foodstore, The Matthew Tree Project Carpenters Foodstore, The Withywood CentreWithywood CentreMatthew Tree Project Foodstore and central food hub Matthew Tree Project Foodstore and central food hub Great George Street MissionGreat George Street MissionMatthew Tree Project Foodstore, The MedeMatthew Tree Project Foodstore, The MedeNW FoodbankNW Foodbank


Food Food povertypoverty

Homelessness on the increaseHomelessness on the increase2012 2012 - - Dept for Communities and Local Dept for Communities and Local Government data Government data shows a shows a 14% 14% rise in rise in people classed as homeless – with people classed as homeless – with 669,460 9,460 children/expected children are in homeless children/expected children are in homeless households. households. Charities warn the figure is Charities warn the figure is much higher much higher Simon RogersSimon Rogers (2012) - (2012) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/mar/08/homelessness-jumps-repossession-unemployment

Centrepoint’s research estimates that Centrepoint’s research estimates that roughly roughly 60,00060,000 young people are using young people are using hostels or sleeping rough - over hostels or sleeping rough - over three times higher than official figureshigher than official figures


Housing/Housing/homelessnesshomelessness

Homelessness on the Homelessness on the increaseincreaseAccording to the National Housing Federation, homeless homeless families in Bed and Breakfast families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation has (B&B) accommodation has increase by increase by 44%44%

20 councils 20 councils warned by the warned by the government about housing government about housing families in B&Bs for families in B&Bs for “unacceptably long time”“unacceptably long time”Randeep Ramesh (2012) - http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/17/homeless-families-bed-and-breakfast



Daily Mirror 18 February 2013

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/17/homeless-families-bed-and-breakfast

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/17/homeless-families-bed-and-breakfast

6,5006,500 private tenants face cuts of private tenants face cuts of £15 £15 to to £25 £25 per week per week in their Housing Benefit, their Housing Benefit, forcing many into destitution or forcing many into destitution or homelessness. homelessness.

Over Over 14,30014,300 households are waiting on households are waiting on the Housing Register the Housing Register

An average of An average of nine people nine people chase every chase every private tenancy private tenancy Bristol Poverty (Housing) Action - http://bristolpovertyaction.wordpress.com/



Housing picture in Housing picture in BristolBristol

UK Debt Statistics from Credit Action UK Debt Statistics from Credit Action

January – September 2013 - January – September 2013 - 8,3088,308 new new debt problems were dealt with by the debt problems were dealt with by the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) each Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) each working day working day

September - November 213 - September - November 213 - 1,727 1,727 people people were made redundant every day were made redundant every day

Every 16 min 4 secEvery 16 min 4 sec - a property is - a property is repossessedrepossessedCredit Action - Credit Action - http://www.creditaction.org.uk/helpful-resources/debt-statistics.html


DebtDebt

http://www.creditaction.org.uk/helpful-resources/debt-statistics.html

Clients seen by the Bristol Debt and Clients seen by the Bristol Debt and Advice Centre Advice Centre

January – December 2012January – December 2012Of the total clients seen, Of the total clients seen, 55% 55% were womenwere womenA breakdown of 1,140 female clients revealed A breakdown of 1,140 female clients revealed the following:the following:Female clients with a long Female clients with a long term illnessterm illness

285285

Female clients with a Female clients with a priority debt priority debt

567567

Employment status of Employment status of female clientsfemale clients

Unknown: 21Unknown: 21Carer: 4Carer: 4Training/Training/Education: 12Education: 12Other: 23Other: 23Unemployed: 533Unemployed: 533Retired: 46Retired: 46Self-employed: 29Self-employed: 29Unfit for work: Unfit for work: 113113Working full Working full time: 137time: 137Working part Working part time: 222time: 222


Debt statistics for Debt statistics for BristolBristol

Note the Note the number of number of women with women with long term long term illnesses illnesses (25%) (25%) and the total and the total number in full number in full and part-time and part-time employment - employment - yet still in debt yet still in debt (31%)(31%)

Unemployment Unemployment is key feature is key feature for women for women seeking debt seeking debt advice and advice and support support (46%)(46%)

(from Bristol Debt and Advice Centre)

There are too many changes to describe in There are too many changes to describe in detail but the following summary indicates detail but the following summary indicates the changes proposed/enacted: the changes proposed/enacted: Migration of existing claimants to Employment Support Allowance Migration of existing claimants to Employment Support Allowance - continues until April 2014- continues until April 2014Increases to all working age benefits will increase by 1% annually Increases to all working age benefits will increase by 1% annually until 2016. 10 million households effecteduntil 2016. 10 million households effectedChild benefit frozen for 3 yearsChild benefit frozen for 3 yearsMaternity Grant restricted to first child onlyMaternity Grant restricted to first child onlyTaper on tax credits moved from 39% to 41%Taper on tax credits moved from 39% to 41%Childcare element of Working Tax Credit (WTC) reduced from 80% Childcare element of Working Tax Credit (WTC) reduced from 80% to 70% of costs (up to pre-set maximum)to 70% of costs (up to pre-set maximum)Local Housing Allowance cappedLocal Housing Allowance cappedLarge increases of non dependent deductions for Housing Benefit Large increases of non dependent deductions for Housing Benefit recipientsrecipientsLocal Housing Allowance – rates set at 30Local Housing Allowance – rates set at 30thth percentile not 50 percentile not 50thth

Educational Maintenance Allowance abolishedEducational Maintenance Allowance abolishedSingle-room rent restriction extended from people under 25 to Single-room rent restriction extended from people under 25 to people under 35people under 35(From Jane Emanuel, Bristol Advice Network) (From Jane Emanuel, Bristol Advice Network)


Benefit Benefit changeschanges

What’s been proposed from January 2013 What’s been proposed from January 2013 onwards:onwards:‘Affluence test’ for Child Benefit‘Affluence test’ for Child BenefitCouncil Tax Benefit handed to local authoritiesCouncil Tax Benefit handed to local authorities‘Bedroom Tax’ for social housing sector (under-occupiers will have ‘Bedroom Tax’ for social housing sector (under-occupiers will have reduced housing benefit or have to transfer to smaller property)reduced housing benefit or have to transfer to smaller property)Working-age Disability Living Allowance recipients must apply for Working-age Disability Living Allowance recipients must apply for Personal Independence PaymentsPersonal Independence PaymentsCrisis loans and Community Care Grants abolished, budget reduced Crisis loans and Community Care Grants abolished, budget reduced then passed to local authorities to devise their own schemethen passed to local authorities to devise their own schemeHousehold Benefit Cap for all except Disabled Living Allowance Household Benefit Cap for all except Disabled Living Allowance (DLA) recipients and war widows/widowers(DLA) recipients and war widows/widowersUniversal Credit – replaces Income Support, Income-based Job Universal Credit – replaces Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance Seekers Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit(ESA), Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Working Tax CreditPathfinders in the North to start this process which may begin in Pathfinders in the North to start this process which may begin in Southwest 2014?Southwest 2014? (From Jane Emanuel, Bristol Advice Network) (From Jane Emanuel, Bristol Advice Network)


Benefit Benefit changeschanges

1 applying for benefits online1 applying for benefits online2 weekly payments being replaced with monthly 2 weekly payments being replaced with monthly paymentspayments3 a single payment being issued per household 3 a single payment being issued per household

The Women's Resource and Development Agency The Women's Resource and Development Agency said: “It is estimated that in said: “It is estimated that in 80% 80% of cases Universal of cases Universal Credit will be paid to the Credit will be paid to the male partner male partner in the in the household”.household”.Rosa Prince The Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9531622/Iain-Duncan-Smith-told-Rosa Prince The Telegraph - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9531622/Iain-Duncan-Smith-told-millions-will-struggle-to-claim-universal-credit.html millions-will-struggle-to-claim-universal-credit.html

This change is likely to impact negatively on This change is likely to impact negatively on women’swomen’s bargaining position bargaining position and and statusstatus within the within the family, particularly for women with no other family, particularly for women with no other independent incomeindependent income


1. Universal credit scheme involves:

Benefit changes: two insidious Benefit changes: two insidious changes changes

70 organisations70 organisations submitted over 500 pages of evidence submitted over 500 pages of evidence outlining concerns about the government's plansoutlining concerns about the government's plans

Benefits have to be applied for online Benefits have to be applied for online Yet “The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties Yet “The new universal credit system risks causing difficulties to the to the 8.5 million 8.5 million people who have never used the internet people who have never used the internet and a further and a further 14.5 million 14.5 million who have virtually no ICT who have virtually no ICT [internet + communications technology] skills” (CAB) [internet + communications technology] skills” (CAB)

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated: “anyone Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated: “anyone without IT skills or access to a computer will be fully without IT skills or access to a computer will be fully supported and we have processes in place to help them” supported and we have processes in place to help them” but but who will provide/fund this support?who will provide/fund this support?

Rosa Prince (2012) Rosa Prince (2012) http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9531622/Iain-Duncan-Smith-told-millions-will-struggle-to-claim-universal-credit.html


Benefit changes: two insidious Benefit changes: two insidious changes changes 1. Universal credit

scheme

New rules state that housing benefit and New rules state that housing benefit and universal credit claimants deemed to universal credit claimants deemed to have one unused bedroom in their have one unused bedroom in their council or housing association home will council or housing association home will lose lose 14% 14% of their housing benefit and of their housing benefit and those with two or more will lose those with two or more will lose 25%25%

The ‘bedroom tax’ is likely to hit single The ‘bedroom tax’ is likely to hit single parents and disabled people hardestparents and disabled people hardest Toby Helm and Tracy McVeigh (2013) Toby Helm and Tracy McVeigh (2013) http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/30/bedroom-tax-disaster-housing-chief


2. The ‘bedroom bedroom tax’tax’

Benefit changes: two insidious Benefit changes: two insidious changes changes

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2013/mar/30/bedroom-tax-disaster-housing-chief

© Jenny Fleming

Oliver Letwin, Etonian, Tory Cabinet Minister and Chief of Policy boasted in 2004:“the NHS will cease to exist within 5 years of a Conservative victory”.


Other dangers – changes to Other dangers – changes to the NHSthe NHS

But not without a fight . . .

15,000 protesters march to save Lewisham A & E and to stop the downgrading of maternity services

Back door privatisationBritain's leading medical body, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, has expressed grave concern that the government is planning to privatise large sections of the NHS by the back door – in breach of previous promises to limit the role of the private sector. This reneges on previous agreements with the professionObserver Sunday 3rd March 2013

The Independent Sunday 3rd March 2013


Other dangers – changes to Other dangers – changes to the NHSthe NHS

The Health & Social Care Act 2012The Health & Social Care Act 2012ClausesClauses that lead to the that lead to the privatisation of health care could privatisation of health care could seriously reduce the quality and seriously reduce the quality and availability of health provision for availability of health provision for people living in poverty or on low people living in poverty or on low incomesincomes

On some nights the NHS out-of-hours service in Cornwall, run by the private company Serco, had only 1 GP to care for 535,000 patients (BBC News 29 September 2012http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-19770029). A recent poll surveyed by the Royal College of General Practitioners

revealed that ¾ of GPs want health and social care bill withdrawn The Guardian 12 January 2012).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/nhs


It is worth remembering that the privatisation of social care has in places been disastrous. This article from the Financial Times shows how 5 Southern Cross executives sold shares before its value crashed and were legally able to walk away with £35m. Southern Cross provided care homes for older people and its crash led to a crisis for people who were living in these homes.

Danger posed by Danger posed by privatisationprivatisation

The poorest The poorest 10%10% will suffer will suffer 15 15 times times more than the richest more than the richest (False Economy website)(False Economy website)

What we are witnessing is the What we are witnessing is the break-up break-up of the welfare stateof the welfare state

The so-called The so-called ‘economic recession’ ‘economic recession’ and and financial financial ‘deficit’ ‘deficit’ areare being used to justify being used to justify cuts in the welfare budget and further cuts in the welfare budget and further privatisation of welfare and health provisionprivatisation of welfare and health provision

3. The price of 3. The price of inequalityinequality

The OECD includes 34 countries

The big picture: inequality is on the rise in most The big picture: inequality is on the rise in most counties within the counties within the Organisation for Economic Co-Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development [operation & Development [OECD]OECD]

(From: Divided We Stand: Why Inequality Keeps Rising © OECD 2011)http://www.bmask.gv.at/cms/site/attachments/0/7/9/CH2267/CMS1343644102547/oecd_divided_we_stand_2011.pdf

Increased inequality

-- 2008-- 1985


(From: Divided We Stand: Why Inequality Keeps Rising © OECD 2011) http://www.bmask.gv.at/cms/site/attachments/0/7/9/CH2267/CMS1343644102547/oecd_divided_we_stand_2011.pdf

The share of top incomes increased, especially in English-speaking countries. The USA and UK have sharp rises for top income earners


http://www.bmask.gv.at/cms/site/attachments/0/7/9/CH2267/CMS1343644102547/oecd_divided_we_stand_2011.pdf






This graph shows that greater the income gap between the richest and poorest 20% in a country, the greater the likelihood of health and social problems being intensified. This is detrimental not just to people living in poverty, but to the vast majority of society. This research suggest that many health and social problems, such as high levels of mental illness, numbers in prison, rates of drug and alcohol use, weight problems, and low levels of public trust tend to be worse in less equal societies http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk

This graph is from Wilkinson and Pickett’s (2010) influential text The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone. London: Penguin. Wilkinson and Pickett are the founders of the Equality Trust. Equality Bristol is a local branch of the Equality Trust http://equalitybristol.wordpress.com/


http://www.ablemesh.co.uk/PDFs/effectsofinequalitygraphs.pdf

http://www.ablemesh.co.uk/PDFs/effectsofinequalitygraphs.pdf

http://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/

This ‘Infographic’ on The Price of Inequality by Adam Frost and Rosie Roche is on the Equality Trust websitehttp://www.equalitytrust.org.uk/ For an enlarged version

of this chart, seehttp://i.imgur.com/Cufgf.gifOr The New Statesmanhttp://www.newstatesman.com/economics/economics/2012/10/chart-day-price-inequality



http://i.imgur.com/Cufgf.gif

http://www.newstatesman.com/economics/economics/2012/10/chart-day-price-inequality




http://www.groupspaces.com/EqualityBristol

Bristol’s population Bristol’s population == 428,100 people428,100 people

BristolBristol is theis the 77thth largest city in England and is one largest city in England and is one of 8 ‘core cities’ of 8 ‘core cities’ (+ Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, (+ Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle)Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle)

16% 16% of of Bristol’sBristol’s population belong to a population belong to a black/ethnic minority group black/ethnic minority group

An overview of Bristol’s population: 2011 Census

4. Cuts are not the 4. Cuts are not the curecure

Cuts in Bristol

Advice agencies are overwhelmed and Advice agencies are overwhelmed and struggling cope with the number of people struggling cope with the number of people seeking help seeking help

Legal Aid cuts have led to redundancies in Legal Aid cuts have led to redundancies in many centresmany centres

Employment Support Allowance Employment Support Allowance (ESA) (ESA) appeals currently constitute more than appeals currently constitute more than 60% 60% of specialist advice time. In Bristol of specialist advice time. In Bristol area area 85% 85% of cases represented at Tribunal of cases represented at Tribunal are are successfulsuccessful


Bristol advice centres and Bristol advice centres and services services

Advice Centres for Avon (ACFA)Advice Centres for Avon (ACFA)Age UK Age UK Bristol Avon & Bristol Law Centre (ABLC)Bristol Avon & Bristol Law Centre (ABLC)Bristol City Council Welfare Rights and Bristol City Council Welfare Rights and Money Advice ServiceMoney Advice ServiceBristol Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)Bristol Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)Bristol Debt and Advice Centre (BDAC) Bristol Debt and Advice Centre (BDAC) North Bristol Advice CentreNorth Bristol Advice CentreSouth Bristol Advice ServicesSouth Bristol Advice ServicesSt Paul's Advice CentreSt Paul's Advice Centre

Bristol advice centres and Bristol advice centres and services services


4. Cuts are not 4. Cuts are not the curethe cure

The deficitThe deficit‘The deficit is simply the gap between what the government spends each year and what it receives in tax . . . UK debt has grown in the recession but is much lower than in the past’ (from False Economy)

This graph shows that for the UK, the National Debt has been much higher than it is todayQuick factCurrent UK national debt: 60%Average UK national debt 1988 -2010: 112% (from False Economy)

False Economy - http://falseeconomy.org.uk

The deficit grew because tax income fellIf countries spend more than they get back from tax they normally have to borrow money to make up the difference. If the government covers a deficit by borrowing money, then that will increase the national debt. When times are good and tax income is higher than spending, governments can pay back part of the debt and it will come down.

Our UK national debt is lower than in many other countries including France, Germany, Canada and the USA (from False Economy)


The UK is the 7th richest country in the world but the allocation of resources and funding favours certain groups or vested interests over others e.g.Renewing Trident – experts state the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent will cost a minimum of £20bn plus £100bn to build and operate

Subsidising the arms trade - the level of public subsidy (from taxpayers) is estimated to be £700m per year according to research by the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT)

Subsidising private schools – the current subsidy to private schools is estimated to be £100m of taxpayers’ money

There is money There is money . . . . . .



Banks and Banks and bankersbankersA report from the London School of

Economics revealed:London’s top 1,400 bankers take home an average £2 million a year including £568,000 “basic” pay

London finance workers received 14.2% more in salary and cash bonuses in 2011 than 2008

average workers outside the City got 3.7% over the same period. This is equivalent to a 6% FALL because inflation rose by (9.7%)

£1 in every £7 earned in Britain now goes to the top 1% of earners Brian Bell and John van Reenen (2013) Brian Bell and John van Reenen (2013) http://cep.lse.ac.uk/pubs/download/occasional/op035.pdf

Taxpayers have a Taxpayers have a 83% 83% stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland. stake in the Royal Bank of Scotland. In March 2013, 26 EU finance ministers imposed curbs on bankers' bonuses as a In March 2013, 26 EU finance ministers imposed curbs on bankers' bonuses as a strategy to curb bankers’ incentive to gamble and repeating the excesses that led to strategy to curb bankers’ incentive to gamble and repeating the excesses that led to the financial crisis. The UK opposed these curbsthe financial crisis. The UK opposed these curbs..

Banks and Banks and bankersbankers


Guardian 24 February 2013Guardian 24 February 2013

Daily Mail online Daily Mail online http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2093630/Stephen-Hester-bonus-Top-RBS-bankers-follow-boss-example-says-Vince-Cable.html

In 2010, the government, via Her Majesty's Revenue In 2010, the government, via Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs [HMRC], let and Customs [HMRC], let Vodafone off a £6bn Vodafone off a £6bn tax tax billbillThe tax gapThe tax gap(1) (1) tax avoidance tax avoidance (finding loopholes e.g. tax havens) (finding loopholes e.g. tax havens) is is estimated to be about estimated to be about £25bn £25bn per annum per annum (2) (2) tax evasion tax evasion (breaking the law) is estimated to be (breaking the law) is estimated to be about about £70bn £70bn per annum according to World Bank per annum according to World Bank datadata(3)(3)unpaid and late-paid tax – currently evaluated by unpaid and late-paid tax – currently evaluated by HMRC to be at least HMRC to be at least £26bn £26bn per annum per annum

Together, these figures = more than Together, these figures = more than £120bn£120bn, , ‘enough, at least in principle, to close the whole ‘enough, at least in principle, to close the whole current government deficitcurrent government deficit’ ’ (Murphy 2010)(Murphy 2010)

Richard Murphy (2010) http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/20/tackle-tax-gap-deficit-reductionTax Research - Tax Research - http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Documents/FAQ1TaxGap.pdf

Tax avoidance and Tax avoidance and evasionevasion


http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/20/tackle-tax-gap-deficit-reduction

Tax inspector job losses Tax inspector job losses contribute to a failure contribute to a failure to collect to collect 1.1bn 1.1bn in taxesin taxesin in 2004-52004-5 staff were employed nearly staff were employed nearly 100,000100,000 by by June 2010 June 2010 the numbers fell to the numbers fell to 68,00068,000by by 20152015 the numbers are likely to fall to the numbers are likely to fall to 55,000 55,000 (nearly half the 2005 number) (nearly half the 2005 number)

Experts indicate that staff were not being Experts indicate that staff were not being properly trained and equipped for the jobproperly trained and equipped for the job http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/jun/23/tax-revenue-tribunals-staff-billions

““Last year (2009) Last year (2009) 5,0005,000 frontline (tax inspector) frontline (tax inspector) staff went and more still are to go. This makes no staff went and more still are to go. This makes no sense: sense: each frontline member of staff brings each frontline member of staff brings in on average 30in on average 30 times in tax times in tax what it costs to what it costs to employ them. The result is that tax that is so employ them. The result is that tax that is so badly needed to keep services going is being badly needed to keep services going is being given away” given away” (Murphy 2010)(Murphy 2010)Richard Murphy (2010) Richard Murphy (2010) http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/20/tackle-tax-gap-deficit-reduction


Tax avoidance and Tax avoidance and evasionevasion

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/jun/23/tax-revenue-tribunals-staff-billions

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/aug/20/tackle-tax-gap-deficit-reduction

- Top rate of tax reduced from - Top rate of tax reduced from 50% 50% to to 45% 45% on on salaries of salaries of more than £150,000 more than £150,000

- No increase to Capital Gains tax, static at - No increase to Capital Gains tax, static at 28%28%

- A £2,000 employment allowance allows a - A £2,000 employment allowance allows a third of all third of all employers to pay no National Insurance ‘ employers to pay no National Insurance ‘ jobs tax' jobs tax'

- Corporation Tax steadily reducing from - Corporation Tax steadily reducing from 28% 28% inin 2010 to 2010 to 21% 21% in 2014 - in 2014 - one of the lowest one of the lowest corporation tax rates in the western world corporation tax rates in the western world

The authorative Institute of Fiscal Studies estimate that the The authorative Institute of Fiscal Studies estimate that the poorest poorest 10% 10% of households will lose an average of of households will lose an average of £127 £127 under the under the 2013 budget changes, while the richest 2013 budget changes, while the richest 10% 10% will gain almost will gain almost 10 10 times times that figure - that figure - £1,265£1,265. Families with children will be hit even . Families with children will be hit even harder, with the poorest harder, with the poorest 10%10% losing losing £236£236 a year a year


Tax reduction for Tax reduction for companiescompanies

The intention: The intention: to promote the to promote the breakup of the welfare state breakup of the welfare state

and to divert funding in order and to divert funding in order to support the profit motive to support the profit motive

and private enterpriseand private enterprise

Why is this Why is this happening? happening?


The strategy: The strategy: to overwhelm and to overwhelm and overstretch public services with overstretch public services with

the sheer number of policy the sheer number of policy changes being set in motion changes being set in motion



The strategy: The strategy: divide and rule by divide and rule by setting people against each setting people against each

otherotherpeople on benefits people on benefits versusversus ‘hard working people’ ‘hard working people’

people on benefits people on benefits versusversus ‘heroic’ soldiers ‘heroic’ soldiersone hospital (Lewisham) one hospital (Lewisham) versusversus another hospital (S. London Healthcare another hospital (S. London Healthcare

NHS Trust)NHS Trust)people who “deserve to be helped” people who “deserve to be helped” versusversus “those who don’t” “those who don’t”



Divide and Divide and rulerule

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/nov/20/benefits-stigma-newspapers-report-welfare

The impact of stigma and other social influences on applying for benefits – some research finding suggest that the public see claimants as less deserving than they did 20 years ago

Negative reporting of benefit claimants in newspapers. From http://www.turn2us.org.uk/PDF/Benefits%20stigma%20Draft%20report%20v9.pdf



Unclaimed Unclaimed benefitsbenefits

Community Links, a coalition of 27 charities co-ordinated by the Citizens Advice Bureau, stated that in 2009 an estimated £16bn in welfare benefits and tax credits went unclaimedCommunity Carehttp://www.community-links.org/linksuk/?p=1531

BBC News 2010 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8494105.stm

The stigma of The stigma of povertypoverty

feelings of shamefeelings of shameself blameself blameguiltguiltsecrecysecrecypowerlessnesspowerlessnesshopelessnesshopelessnessdespairdespairinjusticeinjustice

UK cabinet 2009: 23 millionaires UK cabinet 2009: 23 millionaires out of 29out of 29

Only 4 Only 4 femalefemale cabinet members!! cabinet members!!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/election/article-1280554/The-coalition-millionaires-23-29-member-new-cabinet-worth-1m--Lib-Dems-just-wealthy-Tories.html

Photo - Photo - Independent Independent Tuesday 2 Tuesday 2 April 2013April 2013

300,000 people signed the petition at 300,000 people signed the petition at www.change.orgwww.change.org

Could Iain Duncan Smith (IDS), the current Work and Pensions Secretary, survive on £53 a week or £7.57 a day - a 97% reduction in his current income. As a cabinet minister, Duncan Smith earns £134,565 a year, which is £1,581.02 a week or £225 a day after tax* The Telegraph http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9964767/Iain-Duncan-Smith-I-could-live-on-53-per-week.html

Mr Duncan Smith lives in a 16th-century Grade-II listed Tudor house in Swanbourne which is said to be worth £2m. The property includes a swimming pool, tennis courts and three acres of grounds. It belongs to Mrs Duncan Smith's father, John Tapling Fremantle, the fifth Baron Cottesloe, who moved out of the house with his wife several years ago. Mr Duncan Smith is technically a tenant and living rent-free with his wife and children.The Independenthttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/george-osborne-mounts-fierce-defence-of-essential-cut-in-top-tax-8556168.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9964767/Iain-Duncan-Smith-I-could-live-on-53-per-week.html

As feminists we are known for our wonderful sense of humour . . . .

© Jill Posener 1979

http://msmagazine.com/blog/blog/2011/08/29/still-using-the-old-model-for-sexist-car-advertisements/woman_response_sexist_fiat_billboard/

© Jenny Fleming

We are also known for our We are also known for our determination to build a better and determination to build a better and fairer society – for women, for fairer society – for women, for children, for men - both at home and children, for men - both at home and abroad . . . . Please join us . . . .abroad . . . . Please join us . . . .

ReferencesReferences

Please see separate handout Please see separate handout

cwp pamela trevithick powerpoint 61 slides final

Documents

womens budget group

single women

womens budget group

confronting womens poverty

jobs womens budget group

poverty picture

relative poverty

ukchild poverty