Archbishop Nichols has written to Mr Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, ahead of the Second Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill in the House of Lords next Tuesday and expressed concerns about the impact of the Bill and other recent or planned changes, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable people.

The letter draws particular attention to the danger that up to 50,000 households will lose an average of £93 per week and that 40,000 families may become homeless. The Archbishop has called for the Secretary of State to meet with representatives of Caritas Social Action Network, of which Caritas Diocese of Salford is a member, so that these concerns can be set out more fully to the Secretary of State for work and pensions.

Caritas Diocese of Salford welcomes this action as many vulnerable people, some supported in our projects throughout the diocese, will be seriously affected by this change in policy that may take them further down the difficult road to poverty.

 Archbishop Nichols Letter.