CAMPAIGNERS warned the government today that it would be “indefensible” to use the latest lower inflation figures to uprate benefits, describing it as a “big cut” for struggling families.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt must raise benefits by inflation “in the usual way,” using the September figure of 6.7 per cent, charity Action for Children has said.

Organisations have expressed concerns about reports that the government might use October’s lower figure of 4.6 per cent.