CUTTING benefits for working people will have a direct impact on the level of child poverty in St Helens, MP Conor McGinn told the House of Commons.

Challenging Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith, Mr McGinn said that child poverty in his constituency of St Helens North is higher than the national average.

He said: "In my constituency child poverty levels are almost 5 per cent above the national average and recent statistics show that the number of children living in poverty is not decreasing. No child should have to live in poverty and the lack of progress is worrying.

"We should be working to address the route causes and ensure working families get the support they need. Taking away support from working families will only make the situation worse for families in my constituency and across the UK.

"I hope the minister will take my concerns seriously and will fully examine thee impact of any cut to in work benefits."