Conservative backbenchers urge Chancellor to rethink disability cuts

George Osborne has been warned that a "significant number" of Conservative MPs are ready to throw out plans to cut disability benefits affecting thousands of people.

The Chancellor announced in his Budget that there would be a £1.3 billion a year cut to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs).

A number of Conservative backbenchers have written a letter to the Chancellor, urging him to rethink his plans.

ITV News correspondent Sally Lockwoodreports on the planned disability cuts:

Andrew Percy, MP for Brigg and Goole, said that the squeeze on PIPs was not acceptable and gave the wrong message.

Not everyone who receives the payments will see their payments cut, but more than 600,000 people are expected to be affected in some way.

An estimated 370,000 people possibly being £3,500 worse off a year.

Mr Percy told ITV News that the cuts were "unnecessary" and that the government could find this money elsewhere.

Mr Percy also highlighted his concerns that the cuts would hit the wrong people.

He said that although he thought other measures in the Budget yesterday were very positive, this was not one of them.

The government has insisted that overall spending on disability benefits is increasing and that the changes are needed to make sure the money is better targeted to those who need it most.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell strongly criticised the cuts, saying that it was a "new low" for the Chancellor.

Downing Street said discussions would continue with MPs and disability groups, but the change was about ensuring that taxpayers' money goes to those most in need.