Employment & Support Allowance champion MP Debbie Abrahams constituency has 7% of all Oldham claimants in one St Mary’s MSOA

There are thirty four MSOA areas in Oldham yet just one of these MSOA’s has 7% of all Oldham Employment & Support Allowance claims and it just happens to be in ESA cuts champion Debbie Abrahams St Mary’s ward. This MSOA tops the Oldham list for almost every benefit paid and currently has 9% of all Oldham’s housing benefit claimants despite which Oldham Labour council want to build a further 800 houses in the area at Prince’s Gate. Genuine cases are lost in the endless scramble to claim more and more benefits in central Oldham, it not only tarnishes the reputation of the rest of the borough but it also influences business perceptions of Oldham.