Battling with Benefits

Episode 1 (1x1)

Air date: Feb 08, 2016

The first in a three-part series uncovering the human cost of the changes to the benefits system in Wales. Andrew Williams worked all his life until a serious back injury left him unfit for work and also suffering mental health problems. When his disability benefits are cut Andrew embarks on four-month battle to overturn the ruling that's left him with no support for his care needs. On the Bettws estate near Bridgend, Kay Harris has to pay the so-called 'bedroom tax' for her tiny spare bedroom and was told to move to a smaller house to avoid paying the £49 per month charge, yet there is a shortage of smaller properties available in the area to rent. The family survives on benefits, and when her husband suffers a heart attack their financial problems worsen.