Hammond could and should have ended his crippling freeze on benefits

Of course Brexit creates uncertainties. But the chancellor has funds available now to fulfil the pledge to end austerityLow-income families will be hit hard in April by government spending cuts and tax rises. Philip Hammond might have considered the double whammy that awaits them when he stood up last week to deliver his spring statement. There was an expectation, especially among some anti-poverty charities, that the chancellor would open his wallet to ease their financial pain following his pr