Benefits for many have been frozen now for more than 3 years, lowering the living standards of millions of poor people. Food bank provision has risen to more than a million parcels a year from a very low base. Council rate relief has also fallen for the poorest families. The introduction of Universal Credit has caused Universal despair. The inhuman treatment of disabled people on benefit has led to immense suffering and suicide.

This petition seeks to place MPs on the same footing as the poorest in our country whom they are supposed to protect. It is not designed to harm MPs. Their recent annual payrise is more itself than many on benefit receive annually .If they believe that people on benefit can live on their benefits and any increases they receive, then MPs should put their money where their mouth is, and where their hearts should be.