Linda Smalley and Frances Trainor from Sustainability Morecambe talk to Margaret Greenwood MP and Lizzi Collinge. L-R Linda Smalley, Frances Trainor, Chris Price, Margaret Greenwood MP, Lizzi Collinge, and Phil Blundell. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Linda Smalley and Frances Trainor from Sustainability Morecambe talk to Margaret Greenwood MP and Lizzi Collinge. L-R Linda Smalley, Frances Trainor, Chris Price, Margaret Greenwood MP, Lizzi Collinge, and Phil Blundell. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Last Saturday [11th of August] the Shadow Secretary for Work and Pensions, Margaret Greenwood MP, visited Morecambe to see how the implementation of Universal Credit has been affecting the lives of Morecambe citizens. She met with Cllr Lizzi Collinge, the Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale, and spoke with community leaders from West End Impact, The Exchange Creative Community and Sustainability Morecambe.
Margaret Greenwood MP and Lizzi Collinge listen to Benefits Adviser Phil Blundell talk about problems with Universal Credit. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Margaret Greenwood MP and Lizzi Collinge listen to Benefits Adviser Phil Blundell talk about problems with Universal Credit. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Ms Greenwood used to holiday in Morecambe as a child and took the opportunity to enjoy the Carnival saying said “It was a real pleasure to to be back in Morecambe and to see the carnival in full swing in the fabulous setting beside the beach overlooking the Lakes. I used to come on holiday to Morecambe as a child and walking along the prom on a fine sunny day brought back many happy memories.”

The Shadow Minister was interested to hear about the work that the community organisations were doing to support people ‘hit by the government’s austerity agenda and failing social security policies’. Ms Greenwood said “It was a real pleasure to visit Morecambe to meet with our candidate Lizzi Collinge and community leaders.

“They told me about how people who do not have Internet access at home struggle to make a claim for Universal Credit online, about the difficulties some people face in finding the required ID documentation and the problems that arise when people get into debt. Community groups are doing a tremendous job providing much-needed support to people in need.”

Cllr Lizzi Collinge, Parliamentary Candidate for Morecambe and Lunesdale said “It was a pleasure to welcome Margaret back to Morecambe. She talked fondly about her childhood holidays here and we enjoyed talking about all the fantastic community activities that are happening.

“The people we met talked about how the Universal Credit system dehumanises people and reduces them to a problem. The grassroots groups we met, such as the Exchange Creative Community, restore people’s humanity and see them as whole people with their own skills and talents. We were also reminded that most of the people who are struggling now on Universal Credit are in work. Despite the challenges we have, what is heartening is the cultural renaissance we are seeing all around Morecambe and the way our community comes together to help each other.”

Margaret and Lizzi went on to enjoy the attractions that Morecambe has to offer and visited the carnival.

Lizzi Collinge and Margaret Greenwood MP outside the Exchange Creative Community Hub. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Lizzi Collinge and Margaret Greenwood MP outside the Exchange Creative Community Hub. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Lizzi Collinge and Margaret Greenwood MP enjoy a stroll along the front at Morecambe. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Lizzi Collinge and Margaret Greenwood MP enjoy a stroll along the front at Morecambe. Photo by Steve Pendrill
Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search