Former chancellor Hunt calls for action on UK’s ‘mushrooming’ benefits costs

Former Tory chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt has called for people to be stopped from applying for benefits over the phone (Jane Barlow/PA) -

Benefits claims should no longer be able to be made over the phone as part of efforts in tackling the “mushrooming” number of recipients post pandemic, former chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt has said.

Sir Jeremy, who also served as health secretary when the Conservatives were in power, also said those with “moderate” anxiety and depression should be given treatment, rather than being “parked” on benefits.