MP calls for Government to protect benefits for new mums (From Enfield Independent)

Edmonton MP Andy Love calls for Government to protect benefits for new mums

11:41am Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

A Labour MP has attacked the government for benefit cuts, which he says will hit mothers the hardest.

MP for Edmonton Andy Love fears changes to benefits, which will come into force next month, will mean new mums will be worse off.

As a result he has launched a campaign in Edmonton called Mums not Millionaires, which calls on the government to protect benefits for new mothers.

He said: “There seems to be no end to this government’s assault on hardworking people; if it’s not the low-paid being hit by the housing benefit cap, it’s the disabled being clobbered by the bedroom tax.

“Now, in a new low, Mr Cameron appears to be targeting women and, in particular, new mums who face cuts to their maternity pay from next year.

“The Government should be encouraging women to take time out from work to look after their babies in the early months of life, not adding to their stress by reducing maternity pay.”