FORMER prime minister Gordon Brown has warned that the benefits system is not supporting those most in need this winter.

Writing in the Christmas edition of the Big Issue, he said that toothpaste, soap, toilet rolls, nappies and hygiene products were becoming “luxury goods.”

“It was always my dream that homelessness would be wiped out in this generation,” Mr Brown wrote.

“No-one should be forced on to the streets, but I’m sensing that our benefits system is now doing just that.

“It’s not just that benefits are too low for families to make ends meet as fuel and food bills soar. 

“It’s that, during the worst winter in living memory for millions, the Department for Work and Pensions are persisting with a policy that penalises the most vulnerable — syphoning off deductions from already low benefits — and causing destitution.”

The former PM pointed out that a single person on universal credit who receives £77 a week after rent has just £11 a day to live on.

He said that because universal credit is paid in arrears, claimants have often run up five weeks’ of debt by the time they receive they receive their first payment.

Mr Brown added: “I am more convinced than ever that we need to guarantee a decent minimum income to all in need. 

“But if the government wants to ease pressures before Christmas, the first thing they should do immediately is suspend deductions for the duration of this energy crisis.

“Not a huge cost to the government, for they’ll get their money back sometime, but a life-saver if we are to prevent more people becoming homeless this Christmas.”