Iain Duncan Smith calls for benefits to rise in line with inflation

Tory MP says immediate increase in universal credit would provide shield' against cost of living crisis

The former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has called for benefits to be immediately brought in line with inflation to provide a shield" against the sting of mounting living costs.

He said rebates and discretionary funds represented a step in the wrong direction for tackling poverty", arguing it would be better to uplift universal credit (UC) as it links benefits to work".