PLEA ON POVERTY

charities say millions need lifeline

- GRAHAM HISCOTT

HARD-UP households must get help as they face "life-or-death" situations, the government has been told.

Seventeen debt charities have urged the Department for Work and Pensions to support those on "chronically low incomes".

Their joint letter says people are "skipping meals, limiting utility usage, borrowing informally and selling possessions".