“The confirmation that benefits will increase in line with inflation will be a welcome relief to people who are struggling to make ends meet but much more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable both at home and abroad. At a time when people in the UK are choosing between heating and eating and when millions are facing famine in East Africa, this statement delivers insufficient help to those who urgently need much more.

“The Chancellor is right to ask for more money from those who can afford it – including extending the windfall tax and reducing capital gains tax allowances. But he could and should have done more.

“Real terms cuts to already stretched public services and the aid budget, which offers a lifeline to millions, are political choices. The government should instead be asking the wealthiest in society to pay their fair share to tackle skyrocketing poverty and inequality in the UK and around the world.”