Archbishop of Canterbury condemns benefit changes.

[denphone]

The Archbishop of Canterbury has backed bishops who have written an open letter criticising government plans to change the benefits system.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21731488

The letter from the Church of England bishops called on politicians to protect children and families whom they said were being hit hard by cuts.

He added that planned changes to the benefits system, which would cap rises in welfare payments to 1% for the next three years, would exact a large price on families who were already battling to make ends meet.

The bishops said: "Children and families are already being hit hard by cuts to support, including those to tax credits, maternity benefits and help with housing costs.

"They cannot afford this further hardship penalty. We are calling on the House of Lords to take action to protect children from the impact of this bill."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswomen said: "In difficult economic times we've protected the incomes of pensioners and disabled people, and most working age benefits will continue to increase 1%.