A DEBATE on Any Questions on BBC Radio 4 addressed the decision by the Commons to limit the increase in benefit for working age people to one per cent per year for three years.

At last a politician, Harriet Harman (Labour), has voiced what is so blindingly obvious.

That there a huge difference in awarding a public-sector employee on £20,000-plus per year a one per cent increase per year to giving the same percentage to someone of working age to their benefits, which are probably about £6,500 per year – certainly less than £10,000.

There is still an unacceptable level of youth unemployment and the proposal to hit them the hardest is shameful – let alone anyone struggling to get out of debt and into employment and suitable social housing at any time during their working life.

Tony Martin, Clarence Street, York.