Church leaders warn on welfare reform that will hit the poor

Church of England Bishops have added their voice to those concerned about the effects of planned welfare reforms on the poor.

In an open letter to the Observer newspaper they labelled the proposals to impose a £500-a-week benefit cap on families as "profoundly unjust".  They have called for significant amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill which they say risks pushing "some of the most vulnerable children in the country into severe poverty"

Others who have also criticised the Welfare Reform Bill include the Children's Commissioners for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; they warn the cuts are already hitting "key children's services". The Children's Society claim the policy will cut support to around 210,000 children and make as many as 80,000 homeless.

Earlier this month London Councils warned that planned welfare reforms could lead to an estimated 133, 000 households in London being unable to afford their rent. 

Read the Bishops' 'Open Letter' here.

Read details of London Council's welfare reform analysis here