THE Tory government condemned thousands of families to a winter of hardship today as it slashed universal credit in the face of mass opposition.

The benefit’s £20-per-week uplift, introduced by the government in March last year, was cut despite warnings that the decision will exacerbate child poverty, put further pressure on foodbanks and harm people’s mental health.

The Independent Food Aid Network, which represents more than 500 foodbanks around Britain, said its members are now “running out of options” and that some may even be unable to support people as the cut kicks in and living expenses rise.