The finding that 47% of Labour party members surveyed believe the government is spending too much on social security is depressing (Labour members ‘have tougher view on welfare than you might think’, poll suggests, 4 August). But perhaps it’s not surprising given the relentless false “out of control” political and media narrative, when in fact spending on non-pensioner social security has remained at about 5% of GDP for the past decade.

Social security was one of the main victims of austerity, leaving benefits too low to meet basic needs – hence the increased reliance on food banks. If members had been presented with the evidence from academics, thinktanks and charities showing that improving social security represents the most effective way of tackling child poverty, I suspect they may have been more supportive of spending in this area.

The Institute for Government has suggested that it should be seen as preventive spending, reducing the demand on acute services. I trust that the “senior strategists in Downing Street” with whom the survey findings were shared won’t take the wrong lessons from them.
Ruth Lister
Labour, House of Lords