Benefit cap next year will affect a total of 3,600 households in the borough

More than 1,000 households in Brent are receiving benefits totalling more than �31,000 a year, new figures show.

The statistics released by the Department of Work and Pensions, revealed a total of 1,100 households were pocketing the sum which is equivalent to a gross income of �42,000 a year in the higher rate tax band.

In addition, 2,500 households in the borough are receiving benefits of �26,000 a year - the equivalent of an income before tax of �35,000.

The government will be introducing a benefit cap next year which is part of the Welfare Reform Bill.

The cap will result in the amount of benefits received by households limited to a maximum of �26,000 next year.

However, the cap will not apply to households who are in receipt of a selected number of benefits.

Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, said: “The benefit cap will return fairness to the welfare state and ensure people know there is a clear limit on what they can claim.

“People who do the right thing and move into work will not be affected, and we have ensured disabled people will continue to receive the right support.”

Will the benefit cap have a detrimental effect on your family?

If so contact the news team on 020 7433 6228 or email lorraine.king@archant.co.uk.