Dear Editor,

Patrick Hughes accuses me of being a “callous careerist” who turns a blind eye to local benefits claimants. In fact, as your readers will know well, there is no truth in these claims whatsoever.

On the contrary, I have been closely involved in and personally supported a wide range of local charities for at least a decade, since well before I became an MP. I and my staff presently assist hundreds of local benefits claimants every year. Far from being a careerist, I am well known in Westminster for having been fired from the 10 Downing Street Policy Unit in 2013 for disagreeing with David Cameron over the vote to bomb Syria.

As to the important issues about Universal Credit raised by Sally McCarthy, it is well understood that the new system is far from perfect. But the Government has been listening closely to the concerns that have been raised. Advance and fast-track payments are available for those facing difficulties in waiting for their first payment, with same-day payments available for those in immediate need.

But the new system has real advantages as well. People get to keep more of what they earn than before, and their hours are no longer subject to the previous cap. More people are moving into work, and moving faster, than under the old system. More help is available to those with childcare costs. These are all good things.

Finally, if there are any of your readers who are experiencing difficulties with this or any other benefit, I would encourage them to contact me and my staff via 01432 276 422, or via my website www.jesse4hereford.com, so that we can assist them.

Jesse Norman