Rachel Reeves defended her welfare reforms, appearing to reject official warnings about their impact on poverty rates.An impact assessment of sweeping reforms to the benefits system was published alongside Ms Reeves' spring statement on Wednesday, and warned some 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - could fall into relative poverty as a result of the changes.The Chancellor made further cuts to welfare during the statement, aimed at cutting nearly £5 billion from the welfare bill.

Rachel Reeves defended her welfare reforms, appearing to reject official warnings about their impact on poverty rates.An impact assessment of sweeping reforms to the benefits system was published alongside Ms Reeves' spring statement on Wednesday, and warned some 250,000 people - including 50,000 children - could fall into relative poverty as a result of the changes.The Chancellor made further cuts to welfare during the statement, aimed at cutting nearly £5 billion from the welfare bill.