FROM November 7, the next phase in the Government's attack on welfare kicks in.

A £6,000 cut in maximum annual benefits means that, for thousands of families their housing benefit will no longer cover their rent,

As housing benefit is paid after all other benefits, larger families with more children will be hardest hit,

This is effectively a sibling tax, children from our poorest families will be forced deeper into poverty, many will be made homeless.

Given Bolton Council's public failure to protect our most vulnerable children, this is deeply worrying.

An already inadequate service will come under more pressure, furthermore all councils have a statutory duty to accommodate the homeless.

Tory Welfare cuts will cost Bolton Council millions in temporary accommodation costs over the coming years.

This will mean further cuts to services across the board, as increasing funds are diverted to deal with rising homelessness.

Of course the cost in human misery, for many of our poorest families will be far greater.

Alan Johnson,

Bolton Green Party