Sajid Javid piles pressure on Liz Truss by backing calls to hike benefits in line with inflation

FORMER Chancellor Sajid Javid has thrown his weight behind calls to hike benefits in line with inflation — piling more pressure on Liz Truss.

The PM has been resisting making the costly decision, and has been examining cheaper options instead.

AFP

But in the face of a huge rebellion, No10 stressed Ms Truss is “listening” and “open minded” to the views of her Cabinet and backbenchers.

Mr Javid yesterday told the BBC: “People are going through incredibly challenging times — we can all see that.

“I believe that benefits must stay in line with inflation.”

Several ministers are known to want benefits linked to inflation, which last month stood at 9.9 per cent.

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The PM is understood to prefer to line them to wage growth, which was at 5.5 per cent.

However, no decision is expected until October 19 when new inflation statistics are released.

No10 last night said: “We want to make sure we’ve got the relevant information before making decisions.”