Iain Duncan Smith attacks additional £10 billion welfare cuts plan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has signalled his opposition to an additional £10 billion of welfare cuts.
In a move that threatens to put him on a collision course with Chancellor George Osborne and other Cabinet ministers, Mr Duncan Smith warned that welfare was not "an easy target".
Mr Osborne raised the prospect of the further £10 billion of cuts in welfare spending - on top of the £18 billion reduction by 2014 - in last month's Budget.
He said that was how much would have to be saved to avoid extra spending cuts for other departments.
But, asked whether he thought welfare cuts of that size were acceptable, Mr Duncan Smith said: "My view is it's not."
In an interview with The Times, the former Tory leader indicated that further savings could be made but stressed the need for a "balance of what we're trying to achieve".
"There is in my view no such thing as an easy target in welfare," he said.
"Some people think there is: until I show them where we spend the money.
"My view is that you have a responsibility to support people in difficulty. It's a prime concern of ours - we can't run away from that."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments