IDS Hints at Cut in the Benefit Cap

One of the welfare cuts that George Osborne is most likely to make if the Tories win the next election is a reduction in the household benefit cap of £26,000. The most recent YouGov poll found that 76% of the public support a cap of £26,000 and that 49% favour one of £15,000. Asked by Tory MP Andrew Bridgen at Work and Pensions questions whether the benefit cap would be reduced, Iain Duncan Smith replied: "we will keep the policy under review", a clear hint that the government is considering a cut.  While the cap might appear generous, it's important to remember that those households who receive £26,000 do so due to high rents and/or an above average number of children; the government's Impact Assessment found that 52% of those families affected have four or more children. Read more on the New Statesman website.