Here we go again. More lies and propaganda from the right wing establishment to ensure their nests are kept feathered.
Thanks to FULL FACT for keeping an eye on these naughty fibbers.
‘”Labour is planning an eye-watering benefits splurge that would cost taxpayers around £520 billion a year, analysis has found…”
Daily Express, 23 September 2019
Earlier this week the Daily Express’ front page led with an exclusive on the cost of the Labour party’s welfare spending proposals.
The article cites unpublished analysis done by the Conservative party and claims that the proposals would take the UK welfare bill up to £520 billion a year. (The value of what is currently spent on welfare depends on what you count in that category, but the Institute for Fiscal Studies says spending on welfare is currently around £224 billion a year—£98 billion for non-pensioners and £126 billion for pensioners).
The Express’ claim is misleading, because most of the supposed spending is based on the assumption that Labour introduces a basic income at a specific level. Labour have pledged to trial a basic income in certain areas, but not specified the level at which this will be or their intention to roll the scheme out nationally .
Even if we ignore this factor, neither the Express nor the Conservatives have published any further details on this analysis, so we can’t say how accurate their sums are overall. Analysis like this should be published in full so that anyone can check where it’s from and how it’s calculated. We can take a look at some of the elements of spending the report mentions though.’
As we can see the Express is working with the Conservative Party to deliver yet more inaccurate information in an attempt to swing an election and deceive the public.
The only people who should read The Express or vote Conservative are the ones who live a lie and enjoy it. The rest of us should stay well clear.
Douglas James
