Labour Party launches consultation on the future of social security after coronavirus

Crisis presents an opportunity for social security to once again be seen as a fundamental public service, says National Policy Forum

The Labour Party's National Policy Forum (NPF) has launched a consultation on the future of social security after coronavirus.

In his introduction to the consultation, Labour Leader Keir Starmer says -

'Our immediate attention must be on responding to the pandemic and ensuring the health and safety of people across the country. In this context, it is appropriate that our policy-making in response to coronavirus is swift and responsive to the circumstances.

But this is also an important moment of change for our country. The decisions made over the next five to ten years will fundamentally alter people’s lives for generations to come. It is therefore right that we pause and consider the context and values of our policies, as we look to build our policy platform over the coming years ...'

While acknowledging that the social security system in the UK is facing unprecedented demand as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, and that benefit staff should be recognised for the contribution they have made, working long hours under immense pressure, the NPF says that the crisis has also -

'... exposed fundamental weaknesses in a system severely damaged by a decade of ideological cuts and mismanagement.'

However, the NPF suggests that the coronavirus crisis might also be beginning to alter perceptions of social security -

'More people than ever before have been brought into contact with the system, many for the first time in their lives, reminding us that anyone can be vulnerable.

Rather than being viewed as a burden on the taxpayer, there is an opportunity for social security to be seen once again as a fundamental public service ... a source of national pride, held in the same esteem as the health or education services. '

As a result, the NPF calls on party members, supporters and stakeholders to respond to a series of questions designed to help shape its thinking as to how the social security system might be rebuilt with core values of fairness, equality and social justice at its heart -

1. What has the crisis taught us about the role of social security in protecting the most vulnerable in society and the gaps in the current system?
2. To what extent has the crisis changed public perceptions of social security, and how can we build on any changes to ensure wider public support for the system?
3. To what extent should social security be a universal entitlement available to all?
4. How can social security support self-employed workers?
5. What role can social security play in addressing inequalities and poverty in society?

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 30 June 2020.

For more information see The future of social security after coronavirus from policyforum.labour.org.uk