Woman 'will not be able to live without benefits'

A hospital clerk says she will not be able to live without the benefits she gets from the government.

Caroline Langley, 65, of Twelveheads, Cornwall, has severe arthritis and receives £72.65 a week to help with her daily living needs.

Ms Langley said: "I'm not living, I am existing. Without this, I won't even be able to exist."

The government said it would "always protect the most vulnerable" and "we intend to launch a wider review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment".

The government said PIP could help people with extra living costs if they have both:

• A long-term physical or mental health condition or disability

• Difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition

In March, the Labour government announced plans for major changes to the benefits system aimed at cutting the growing amount the UK spends on welfare.

Ms Langley said she used the money to pay for a car to travel to work as she lived 2.5 miles (4km) from a bus stop.

"I'm really worried. I'm on minimum wage, I don't have luxuries.

"My needs are very simple, and I am living hand-to-mouth all the time.

"They don't realise how much pain I am in all the time."

Ministers want to save £4.8bn by reducing the benefits bill by 2030, with a consultation set to run into June.

Overall, the government estimates 3.2 million families will be worse off as a result of the reforms by 2030, while 3.8 million families will be better off.

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "This government will always protect the most vulnerable.

"The social security system will always be there for those who need it most with severe health conditions, and we will ensure their income is protected.

"We intend to launch a wider review of the PIP assessment and will provide further details as plans progress."

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