SIR – I think some of what the Government is doing in the welfare area is uncomfortable, but right, particularly tackling the record numbers of people claiming the higher rate incapacity benefit.

However,I cannot understand why, in common with previous governments, they impose severe changes on such a swathe of families and individuals, many of whom live in completely different circumstances.

For example, what of the father who has his children from a broken relationship to stay for the weekend (and longer during holidays) every week, or for two weeks each month in the case of shared custody?

If he is on low income, how can he give up his ‘spare’ bedroom, or find the extra cash?

More importantly, how can it be considered morally right to require him to do so?

The reason I speak only of fathers here is simply that as a result of the blatant sexism of so-called family courts, it is invariable fathers who are forced to become absent parents.

Punishing the poorest in society is the path of least resistance for the Government, and one which will not cost them many votes, but to do it so indiscriminately, without recognition of the very different needs of individuals and families, is at best cowardly, and at worst cruel.

WILL RICHARDS

Malvern