Benefits cap worry over vulnerable children
A leading children's charity has said it is "concerned" about the impact of the changes to benefits.
The cap on benefit payments will be rolled out across four London boroughs from today.
The cap, £500 per week for couples and £350 for single people, will be introduced in Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley, before being gradually implemented across England, Scotland and Wales between July and September.
Action for Childrensaid it is concerned that this policy may impact some of the most vulnerable children and families.
"We have already heard today that it is estimated that families with three or four children, as well as those with lone parents will be disproportionately affected," the charity said.
"In monitoring the first phase of the policy’s implementation in London we will seek to understand the impact it has on children in the families affected; looking at whether particularly vulnerable children are being forced to leave London or if they are being moved into overcrowded conditions in order to stay in London."
Treasury minister Mark Hoban told ITV Daybreak said the benefits cap would introduce fairness between claimants and taxpayers.
“We do need to take action to ensure that the welfare state is affordable, that it’s fair, and we encourage people into work," he said.
"And the reforms we’re introducing through the benefit cap do just that – it makes sure the bill is affordable; it is a package that says that for those people that are in work, they’re exempt from that cap; and it ensures, I think, some fairness between those who are in work and those who are out of work.
"You know, families on low incomes have to make these difficult choices themselves.”
