How many tenants will be left in London by the time the Universal Credit comes in? Large numbers will have been forced out of their homes and out of the capital by the vicious housing benefit cuts which are starting to be felt now, and are causing more and more families into rent arrears. Evictions are increasing every month.

The ridiculous thing is that all these massive cuts will create enormous hardship without actually saving the Government any money.

It is very well documented that housing stress creates ill health. Those at risk of losing their homes; those who do become homeless; those who have to move away from their social support networks; and those who find accommodation within the housing benefit limits by living in places that are too small, thereby creating overcrowding; - all these people will cost the health service more. These situations will often result in family relationship breakdown, increasing the need for more housing; the impact on children will add to education costs and in some cases will increase crime.

You don't need to be a statistician to see that these constant attacks on the poor cannot be motivated by a genuine belief that they will reduce the Government's deficit. So what does motivate this Government to make it so intent on implementing this policy?