Benefits cap 'leads more into work'
The government's cap on benefits has led to hundreds of people "breaking free" from welfare dependency every week, ministers have said.
New figures showed that an average of 200 people move into work or stop claiming housing benefit every week as a result of the cap, which was introduced in 2013.
The cap means no-one can claim more in out-of-work benefits than the average household earnings.
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "As well as restoring fairness to the system, and saving the taxpayer money, the benefit cap provides a clear incentive to people to get into work.
"Today's figures show that the cap has led to hundreds of people breaking free from welfare dependency every week, and gaining the financial security and esteem which comes with a job and pay packet.
"That's real people turning their lives and the prospects of their families around. It is a proud record of this government's long-term economic plan - one that we are determined to see through."
Around 55,300 households have had their benefit capped since the measure was introduced.
The benefit cap limits the amount of benefits a household can receive to £500 a week for couples, with or without children, and £350 a week for households of a single adult with no children.
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