Statement: Cap to benefits

A spokesperson for The Salvation Army said: “We are concerned by the new cap to benefit allowance and its possible negative effects on people who are vulnerable. Over 100,000 households will be affected by the changes and particularly those households with children will be impacted. This large-scale cap will put additional pressure on local authorities and services that exist to provide support to families. 

“The Salvation Army is supportive of initiatives that encourage routes into employment and we operate employment services across the UK that aim to help people into work. However we know from experience that each person’s circumstance is unique and each person requires tailored support to find employment that is right for them. This is harder for some people than others; for example, this cap to benefits could seriously impact lone parents with young children, for whom it isn’t always easy to find suitable work that fits around their children’s needs.  

“We will be watching the effects of the cap closely as it is rolled out over the coming months and will be continuing to offer our support to people who need it.”