The social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales says the Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill will "hurt the poorest individuals and families".

Ministers' attempts to turn neighbour against neighbour in a bid to drive through the one per cent benefits cap are a "stain on our society", says PCS.

The Green Party has criticised the government’s mid-term review for failing to acknowledge the coalition’s mistakes or to offer a coherent vision for the future.

The chief executives of 23 major British charities say the government must make sure increases in benefit rates at least reflect rises in the cost of living.