And those who genuinely cannot work should not be made to degrade themselves to prove it and then be villifed as 'scroungers' being lucky enough to be believed. They should be supported by society and valued as human beings, not economic units.
We don't have to keep doing this. There is another way.

Many people out of work aren't there by choice. They need support to allow them to get and stay in meaningful and properly paid employment. Removing benefits is not the way. All it does is give companies excuses to pay less and treat people worse because the alternative is destitution.

People have value beyond their ability to contribute to economic growth. They contribute to society as community members, caregivers, creatives, etc. All of which are hugely important and not measurable in pounds and pence.

The idea that traditionally Labour voting working class people would welcome this austerity 2.0, pandering to big business, screwing the poor nonsense is insulting. If you think that decent, ordinary folk want to see those most in need repeatedly getting a kicking, you need to think again.

Private tenants need rent controls and the ability to adapt their homes to suit their needs. They need long-term secure leases. If that leads to fewer private landlord, then GOOD. Moving properties back from by-to-let to owner-occupation would be good for buyers too.

I and @broxtoweindies.bsky.social talk a lot about council homes (for good reason) but the reality is most of our constituents who rent are at the mercy of the private sector, which we also regulate. It's horrible out there, so any improvement is welcome. Just wish it went further!

Fully agree with @bellribeiroaddy.bsky.social - "“I’m yet to hear a compelling reason why landlords should see their incomes grow faster than people who actually work for a living,” - Me neither!