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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Rowena Mason Deputy political editor

Rishi Sunak says technical problems stopped him raising benefits more

Rishi Sunak leaves Downing Street on the day of the spring statement
Rishi Sunak acknowledged that technical problems sounded ‘like an excuse’. Photograph: Peter Cziborra/Reuters

Rishi Sunak has claimed he was prevented from raising benefits more at the spring statement because of the old computer system used by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Acknowledging that technical problems “sounds like an excuse”, the UK chancellor told Bloomberg he had discussed a higher rise than the 3.1% given across the board but was told there could be an uplift only once a year for people on some benefits.

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