Dundee Liberal Democrats welcome Labour climbdown on volunteers' lunch costs
Dundee Liberal Democrats have today (Thursday 10th August) welcomed news that volunteers on benefits will not have to bear the cost of their lunchtime meal following a u-turn by the Westminster Labour Government.
Dundee Liberal Democrat local party secretary Michael Charlton said, "The Department for Work and Pensions had said that the lunches could no longer be claimed as an expense. This was a highly unfair decision and I'm glad its been reversed."
Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Welfare Reform, Danny Alexander MP added, "It is welcome, though rather belated, news that the Government has decided to make a u-turn on its previous policy not to allow benefit recipients to claim lunch expenses when they volunteer.
"Many organisation rely on the valuable work done by volunteers, while voluntary work also helps many individuals, acting as a route out of social exclusion, and giving them the necessary confidence and skills to gain full-time employment."