CONSERVATIVE councillor Martin Cox commented on the increase in child poverty in an article on May 11.

There seems to be some confusion about just what poverty is. There can be no confusion that the number of children classed as being in poverty has increased by 1 million since 2010.

Poverty is perhaps not the right term and can give a "get out" to those who for whatever reason, would rather not face the issue. "Poverty is what you get in Third World countries, not in places like England" or some such, is how the argument goes . . . so everything's all right then.

Whatever terminology is used there has been a huge increase in homelessness, food banks and inequality since the Tories took over in 2010.

First with the help of the Lib Dems and now the DUP (let's not forget the £1 billion the prime minister bunged them for their support).

Cllr Cox said: "There is genuine poverty in the country. Some people do live in genuine poverty. It is important that the Government, where it can, takes measures to alleviate it and that needs saying loud and clear."

Figures released to the Department of Work and Pensions select committee show more than £100 million of taxpayers' money has been spent in the courts in the past two years.

Ros Altmann, a Conservative peer and former DWP minister, said the money could be spent on benefits for those who need them, rather than the costs of fighting claims.

The Ministry of Justice spent £103.1 million on social security and child support tribunals in 2016-17, up from £92.6 million the year before.

Frank Field, the committee chairman, has written to Esther McVey, the work and pensions secretary, to ask why MPs were not given the information.

The claim by Cllr Cox that the Tory Government is taking all measures to alleviate poverty is a sick joke.

Eric Hyland

Harwood