‘We are not living’: Britain’s autumn statement ‘too late’ for those on benefits

Jeremy Hunt will announce his Autumn economic statement later today

Phoenix, a mother-of-four from Crystal Palace, south-east London, relies on universal credit to provide for her children, who are between four and 15.

People on benefits have described feeling like “the walking dead” as they voiced fears over the British chancellor's expected announcement of a payment increase in line with rising prices will come too late.

Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement will be unveiled on Thursday after further rises in gas and electricity bills sent UK inflation to its highest level for 41 years, according to official figures.