Smith Defends Welfare Reforms

The work and pensions secretary has defended changes to the welfare system, including disability benefit reforms. Iain Duncan Smith said the raft of changes should save the taxpayer £50bn by the end of this Parliament. He said the reforms - including tougher criteria for people seeking disability allowances - would "help and benefit" those who wanted to return to work. The Disabilities Trust charity said the reforms were part of a "triple whammy" of factors hitting disabled people. Speaking on BBC One's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Duncan Smith said the new regime would see disabled benefits claimants assessed on a regular basis to determine whether they need more support with their ailments or help to get work. Read more on the BBC website.