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Chancellor John Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham have both spoken of their desire for the benefits bill to come down, but the government has not yet laid out a timetable for any reductions.
Their political opponents have criticised them for a lack of detail on welfare reform in Wednesday's Budget, accusing the government of delaying difficult decisions over cuts.
Official forecasts released alongside the Budget indicate welfare spending is going to increase by £79bn in cash terms over the next few years.
