Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has joined 19 other MPs in signing a letter to the Editor of the Times newspaper asking him to correct a set of grossly inaccurate benefit claimant figures used by the paper.
In a piece published on the 28th November, the Times claimed that the number of people claiming benefits in Rugby had increased by 66.3% between May 2010 and May 2011. In reality the number of claimants had fallen by 3.8%.
Speaking about the incorrect figures and the letter Mark said:
‘This government is committed to tackling the something for nothing culture left behind by the Labour government, and with the introduction of Universal Credit we will ensure that work always pays.’
Mark added:
‘We have already seen a national fall of 0.68% in the number of people claiming benefits and a fall of 3.8% here in Rugby, a fall I expect to continue despite the difficult economic situation we find ourselves in.’
Mark concluded:
‘The Times’ figures were wholly inaccurate and gave the wrong impression of the progress we are making, not just here in Rugby but also in the country at large. It’s therefore vital that the Times correct the record.’