Top economist Richard Murphy called on shadow chancellor Ed Balls yesterday to collect billions from tax dodgers before snatching cash from Britain’s poorest families. 

Mr Balls braced parents for two consecutive cuts to child benefit as part of his strict plan to pay off the deficit if Labour takes power next May. 

He said capping child benefit — currently £20.35 for first children and £13.55 thereafter — for two years will save £400 million.