People must get what they’re due

THE huge amount of unclaimed benefits shows shows just how wrong-headed the Tory assault on the poor really is.

While the UK Government go on about “scroungers”, the reality is those who need the most are going without.

How else do you explain the estimated £2billion a year being left unclaimed?

This is money being thrown away while the poor suffer and Tories look for scapegoats.

Meanwhile, the rich don’t need to worry because they’ve got accountants to make sure their tax is correctly streamlined.

And there will be no problems for the big end-of-year bonus.

Instead of targeting people on benefits, the Government should be making sure claimants get what they are entitled to.

All that money sloshing around makes a mockery of the mantra that we’re all in it together and waste must be cut to the bone.

It’s been clear for a long time that some people don’t understand what they are supposed to be given.

The figures are not insignificant. We’re talking about £251million in housing benefit and £190 in carers’ allowance. About £45million in child benefit is unclaimed. Income top-ups are also being ignored.

No doubt some will simply shrug and say it proves people don’t need the cash. What they should understand is the system is wasteful only because no effort is being made to channel the money correctly.

It’s outrageous that so much money is being kept from those who need it most.

The UK Government need to sort out their priorities.