Pushed to brink by Tory austerity

■ It’s a damning indictment of this Conservative government and its cruel welfare reforms that more women are finding themselves having to do the unthinkable in order to meet the basic needs of food and shelter (Mirror, March 19).

This should not be happening in Britain in the 21st century. I’ve often heard it said the Tories are in denial about the problems facing this country, but I believe it’s more a case that they simply don’t care.

Their ultimate goal is to dismantle the welfare state at all costs and if people fall by the wayside, then so be it. But the real tragedy is, the people of this country voted for this.

D McLoughlin, Barnsley

■ It is long past the time that this most unfair and punitive Universal Credit was abolished. The Tories are aware that real jobs are in short supply and their boasts about record employment numbers are a distortion of the truth when many workers are on zero-hours contracts. Council tax is sky high, often in Labour-run areas where the draconian Tory cuts bite the hardest. No wonder Brexit is being dragged out – it’s a wonderful smokescreen for all the ills this uncaring Government has bestowed upon us.

D J Sewell, Redcar North Yorks

■ I applaud your article on mums struggling to survive on Universal Credit. Not all people on welfare are ‘benefit scroungers’. Many, through no fault of their own, have been forced onto Universal Credit and cannot afford to pay their utility bills, rent, council tax or buy food for their children. This Government does not care. It is a disgrace that in this country families cannot afford the basics that everyone should have.

C Hage, Newark, Notts

■ How much more suffering needs to take place before the defenders of Universal Credit accept that it’s an unworkable idea? Apart from the recognised failings and suffering of those compelled to accept it, it’s obvious employers are abusing the situation to their advantage to pay low wages and offer inferior terms of employment to the detriment of employees.

It is high time we got back to the benefit system being a safety net and not a subsidy for bad employment practices.

Noel Beresford Chesterfield, Derbys

■ The Tories ruin everything they touch, from the welfare system and utilities to the armed forces, police, emergency services and, of course, the NHS. The prison service is so stretched the judiciary are instructed not to give custodial sentences except for serious crimes.

Whenever a Tory minister is challenged on any of these issues, they say they’ve given extra funds to help the situation. The Labour Party must rid us of this dreadful government as soon as possible.

Ken McGrath, Rotherham

■ I was not surprised by your front page story that MPs are to investigate whether UC is pushing women into prostitution. Poverty is rising in Britain and austerity is a political agenda which benefits the rich while the rest struggle.

Derek Malone Hebburn, Tyne & Wear

■ As a mum of four, I have found out I am better off not working and just claiming benefits.

I now have to decide whether to work or get more money by not working. The system is insane.

Name and address supplied