Budget 2015: have benefits really increased faster than wages?
by Rowena Mason Political correspondent from on (#DQM2)
George Osborne said in his budget speech that most benefits have risen by 21% against 11% for wages - but he seems to have chosen his examples carefully
In his budget speech, George Osborne said average earnings have risen by 11%, but most benefits have risen by 21%.
According to the Office for National Statistics, wages have risen by more like 12% between April 2008, when they were 440 a week, and April 2015, when they were 493 a week.
Related: George Osborne introduces new 'living wage' but cuts working-age benefits
Related: Budget 2015: 25 key points at a glance
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