UK: Truss Says She May Not Increase Benefit Payments

British Prime Minister Liz Truss suggested on Tuesday that she may not increase benefit payments to reflect soaring inflation despite the difficult times many Britons are facing.

"We have to look at these issues in the round. We have to be fiscally responsible," Truss told BBC Radio when asked whether benefit payments would rise in line with record-high inflation to prevent the poorest in society from becoming poorer.

Immediately lawmakers in Truss's Conservative Party – some of who helped force the top tax rate reversal – opposed any move to reduce the increases in benefits at a time when millions are struggling with higher costs of food and energy.

Penny Mordaunt, who is in Truss's cabinet of senior ministers, said benefits should rise in line with inflation. Damian Green, part of the party's centrist faction, said he doubted any real-terms cut would pass a parliamentary vote.

Victoria Prentis, a minister in the Department for Work and Pensions, told Reuters the government had to go through the numbers before it could take a final decision on benefits.

Britain's PM has endured a tumultuous time since she came to power on Sept. 6, first leading national mourning for Queen Elizabeth before releasing an economic package that immediately roiled financial markets.