Petition for Hastings and Rye MP to stop tax cuts

The petition by 38 Degrees calls on Amber Rudd to join other Conservative politicians opposing George Osborne’s plans to cut support for millions of working families across the UK.

A mother was brought to tears when questioning the minister about her government’s plans on Question Time last night (Thursday, October 15).

She said she felt betrayed by the Conservatives after promising not to cut tax credits before the election.

Resident Anne would be affected by the cuts.

“I’m very worried about the combination of tax credits cuts and the cuts to university maintenance grants,” she said.

“I’m a mother of two children, one just starting university and another in secondary school.

“Why is the government forcing us to choose which child we want to support financially?”

Government figures show 30 per cent of children in Hastings and Rye already live in poverty.

Campaigners believe this is likely to get much worse as a result of cuts to tax credits.

Other experts have pointed out that the plans do not add up because a higher minimum wage still would not cover the difference.

38 Degrees campaigns manager Amy Lockwood said: “People in Hastings and Rye are waiting for their MP to stand up for local working families.

“How would Amber Rudd be able to look a constituent in the eye after these cuts?

“Osborne’s plans will simply punish people on low wages who work hard, but still don’t have enough to make ends meet.

“It will push many families to breaking point.

“But Amber Rudd has an opportunity to help stop this.

“That’s why hundreds of people are asking her to join the rising tide of opposition to Osborne’s plans.”

The petition can be found here: secure.38degrees.org.uk/stop-tax-credit-cuts.

Ms Rudd has been contacted for comment.

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