The Sprout

Sprout User Holds Nick Clegg To Account

Posted by archifCLICarchive from National - Published on 30/09/2010 at 15:42
7 comments » - Tagged as People, Topical

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Yn Gymraeg

Nick Clegg was held to account today in City Hall by seasoned Sprouter hollymorris.

The Deputy Prime Minister breezed through the Q+A session, giving rehearsed and general answers that left the audience no less frustrated about the budget cuts being imposed by the government than before they had entered the hall.

That was until Holly, one of the young people theSprout had brought to City Hall to question Mr Clegg, relayed a specific and dire position of the “sofa surfing” that her homeless friend has been forced into because of a loophole in the law. Because her friend is under 18, she explained, if he declares himself homeless he actually loses out on the benefits available to him, and with all these cuts the welfare system is being even more tight-fisted than usual.

“What can you do to help him?” asked Holly.

Nick Clegg mumbled something about needing to know more about the specifics of the situation and accidentally pointed out another problem himself: “We all know how complicated the housing benefit system is can we talk about this after?”

When the Q+A was over, Mr Clegg and his security began to leave the room. Holly, standing her ground, kept his eye contact and he personally came over to us. She made sure he didn't leave the room without addressing the problem.

Nick Clegg then sent his assistant over to take Holly’s details.

This young person has made a difference today, but will Nick Clegg change the policy to ensure that all young people are protected from that situation? Only time will tell.

More on this story as it develops.

Related Links:

Homelessness In Wales

Info >> Housing

Blog post on today's Q+A, by user smithsreunion

WalesOnline Article