LETTER: Benefits cuts a shocking policy

I'm writing to express deep concern at the Conservative Government's planned cuts to widowed parents' benefits, which I believe our MP Caroline Ansell supports.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Mar 2017, 17:00 BST

Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:42 BST

I was widowed in 2013 and the benefits that I receive, based on my late wife’s payments into National Insurance, have been a godsend. Because of assistance such as this I am able to arrange my working life around my two children.

Payments had been until children reach 18 but are now planned to be restricted to just 18 months. This is a shocking policy, aimed at saving money and targeting such vulnerable people.

What is worse is that it will apply to people who don’t even know it yet because it applies to newly widowed parents. How much lower can the Government sink? I’m disgusted and urge the Government and Mrs Ansell to review this policy.

BEN WESTWOOD

Heron Ridge, Polegate