Plans to scrap extending a benefits cap on families of more than two children has been cautiously welcomed by Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Cllr Trish Hardy – but she believes the move doesn’t go far enough.

The Government has announced that those with children born before the Universal Credit system began in April 2017 would remain exempt, which means a number of families will no longer face having their benefits capped.

Cllr Trish Hardy said: “While I believe this is good news, it’s only a small number who will benefit from this announcement because it will only be scrapped for some claimants, not all. How is that fair? It will cause nothing but confusion.

“We know that hundreds of thousands of people are suffering every day as a result of a benefits system that is not working – it needs to change.

“In Sefton, we are seeing so much hardship in some of our most disadvantaged areas and more and more people, including those in work, are relying on foodbanks and other donation schemes – it’s heart-breaking.

“The Government needs to do something more to help those struggling to cope with welfare reforms, including the roll out of Universal Credit. Our communities are suffering as a result of a poorly thought out and executed reform programme and it can’t go on like this.”