Government out of touch with ordinary people's struggles, poll reveals

date: 11 September 2013

embargo: 00:01 hours Thursday 12 September 2013

Commenting on polling published today (Thursday) by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), which shows that over two-thirds (69 per cent) of the public think the government does not understand the concerns of people on low incomes, TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady said:

'This government has presided over the longest living standards squeeze in over a century. It is small surprise that people feel they are out of touch with families' everyday struggles.

'Rather than helping households to meet the cost of soaring bills and food prices, ministers have prioritised the needs of the few; cutting top-rate tax and boosting the incomes of the super-rich.

'One only has to look at the huge rise in food banks to see how little support is being given to those who fall on hard times. But instead of recognising the hardship people are facing ministers are blaming them for not being able to make ends meet.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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