SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron has urged ministers to raise the minimum wage to tackle rising poverty in the South Cumbria area.
Speaking during Treasury Questions, Mr Farron stated there are 300 people registered unemployed in his constituency, while there are nearly two and a half thousand children living below the poverty line.
Mr Farron said: "This tells us living in a workless household is not the principle cause of poverty, but low wages are."
The South Lakes MP asked the Chancellor to review the 'living wage' label, which the MP argued is used to "ease the consciences of the comfortable".
Treasury minister, John Glen said: "I think it is important we acknowledge that in 2010, £9,200 was the take home after national insurance and tax.
"Now, for someone working full-time on the national living, that figure has increased by £4,500 to £13,700."
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