Yes, these claims that (single) people should try living on £53 a week etc are totally misleading.

The majority of those on that sort of benefit income will also be having their rent paid by housing bens (though it won't necessarily cover ALL of their rent now, as it used to do), plus their council tax paid.

So really what we're talking about is food and fuel costs, clothing, 'incidentals' etc, to come out of the quoted £53 per person. Free basic dental treatment and a few other 'perks' (prescriptions ?).

You're doing well to manage on that budget Andy. I congratulate you. (Not meant sarcastically, I assure you).

Of course others on benefit may struggle a little more, what with the Pit Bull Terrier to feed, and the £7 a day for smokes.