September signifies a time of new beginnings. Children head back to school, the season shifts, and the changing weather offers us all a moment to reset and reflect.
For the political world, the end of the parliamentary recess marks the beginning of a new chapter, particularly for the new government as it takes its first steps to fulfil its mandate.
However, with reports of a staggering £22 billion gap in public finances and the bleakest fiscal conditions since World War Two, the blame game has already begun. The narrative of a “broken Britain” left by the previous Conservative government is gaining traction.
In this blog, we will delve into policy areas which will have an impact on Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic individuals and their potential impact over the coming months.
The End of Winter Fuel Payments
The Government has announced it will not reverse its decision to scrap Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners not receiving pension credit. Starting in mid-September, up to 10 million pensioners will lose this vital payment of up to £300. According to our partners at Age UK, as many as 2 million pensioners who desperately need this support to stay warm will no longer receive it. This policy is likely to push more people into poverty, disproportionately affecting Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic pensioners. We know from our research that these communities face housing disadvantages compared to their White counterparts. It’s a harsh message from a government that claims to be focused on driving positive change, yet seems to be driving more vulnerable citizens into hardship.
The Two-Child Benefit Cap
The two-child benefit cap currently limits parents from claiming Universal Credit for any child beyond their second. As of April 2024, 27,000 households claiming Universal Credit were affected by both the two-child limit and the benefit cap, impacting around 100,000 children. This policy further impoverishes children and disproportionately penalises ethnic minorities, who often have larger families. Before the summer recess, Labour took a hard line stance by punishing the seven rebel MPs who voted against continuing the two-child cap. As we move into autumn, it is likely that campaigners will intensify their efforts to abolish this policy, especially as the cost of living crisis continues to squeeze families across the country.
The Fallout from the Riots
The summer saw violence following the tragic murders of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar. In the aftermath, hate crimes and a surge in anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiment have swept through the streets. In the coming months, Labour must position itself as a serious force against the divisions tearing through the UK. The party must unequivocally condemn far-right violence and intolerance. Failure to do so could see a resurgence of violence, further marginalising communities and deepening societal divides.
As autumn unfolds, we will continue to be a vital source of information, challenging key policies and shedding light on their impact on Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic communities.
Stay tuned for our upcoming events and reports.
