Housing benefit

Do we need to be nudged in the direction of government policy – or will it only work if we’re shoved? Gaby Hinsliff explains the ways that Ministers are trying to change us.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has joined the housing benefit row, saying he would resist “Kosovo-style social cleansing”. Housing Minister Grant Shapps tells Channel 4 News his language was not sensible.

The government has confirmed it is considering concessions to its plan for a cap on housing benefits, as first reported by Channel 4 News FactCheck.

David Cameron redirects £70m in government cash to calm backbench nerves over a housing benefit cap, but dismisses talk of a U-turn.

Simon Hughes, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, signals cracks in the coalition as he tells Channel 4 News housing benefit cuts will not get through parliament.