Iain Duncan Smith denies U-turn over capping of housing benefit

The Government today dismissed talk of a climbdown over capping housing benefit despite warnings that the policy will "cleanse" poor people from major cities.

Sources close to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said he was "absolutely determined" to push through tough reforms.

The coalition has announced plans that would limit housing benefit to about £400 a week for a four-bedroom home, and cut payouts by 10 per cent when people have been claiming jobseeker's allowance for more than a year.

Lib-Dem deputy leader Simon Hughes is among those who have criticised the "draconian" proposals, saying ministers will have to "negotiate" to get parliamentary approval.

Labour's Chris Bryant said the cuts would lead to "cleansing" of the poor from areas with high rents.