GOVERNMENT policies are hitting Warrington's most vulnerable residents, it has been claimed.

Council leader Clr Terry O’Neill and the executive board member for health, wellbeing and adult services, Clr Pat Wright, spoke out about how Coalition Government policies are causing 'needless suffering' during a full council meeting on Monday.

Speaking about pay day loans, Clr O’Neill welcomed the recent news that the new Financial Conduct Authority is forcing loan company Wonga to write-off £220m of loans to 375,000 borrowers.

But he told members that more must be done.

On the carers allowance Cllr Pat Wright raised concerns about how some carers will be hit by the minimum wage changes.

She said: "In order to qualify for carers allowance, a carer must be providing care and support for a minimum of 35 hours per week, and therefore at the minimum rate this equates to just £1.75 per hour."

Clr McLaughlin (Latchford West - LAB) added: "In these difficult circumstances, it is no wonder people are turning to food banks as a last resort.

"Whether it is the outrageous practices of payday loans companies; the inability of Government departments to foresee potential problems or the cruel cutting-off of necessary financial support; some of our most vulnerable residents are facing impossible challenges at the very time when they need our support the most."