Most vulnerable will suffer from cuts

Commenting on UK Chancellor George Osborne's confirmation of his party's intention to go ahead with £12 billion further cuts from welfare, and £13 billion cuts from the rest of the public sector after the next election, Savitri Hensman, an associate of the Christian political think tank Ekklesia, said:

"The poorest will be worst affected but, if the Chancellor gets his way, many others currently struggling to cope with sharply rising prices and rents will be hit.

"At present the social security budget is higher than it need be largely because of the low wages many receive and lack of affordable housing, as well as job shortages in many areas of work, made worse by public sector cuts. Even full-time employees can find they need ‘welfare’ to be able to meet basic needs such as food, heating and shelter.

"Hardworking young people will be among those who end up on the streets, or back in overcrowded parental homes. Exactly what the government plans to do to young parents in low-paid jobs or with very high rents, and most importantly their children, is not yet clear. But it is obvious that suffering will result.

"The chancellor’s plans are unjust, and – like various other government measures – likely to do more harm than good to the economy."

* Reporting and analysis of cuts from Ekklesia: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/cuts

* Government's Autumn Statement: http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/autumnstatement

* Truth and lies about poverty, benefits and welfare (JPIT): http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18086