A retired vicar has written to every MP in the country demanding a report into the impact of benefit cuts.

The Reverend Paul Nicolson sent the letter to all 650 MPs on Tuesday urging them to demand a report into the cumulative effect of benefit cuts on the health of claimants over the last five years.

The letter also calls for an inquiry into the cost of debt and poverty related ill health to the NHS, employers and the economy at large.

Rev Nicolson said: “Over years people on benefits and in debt because of the cuts have been under mental stress which has made them ill and require therapy.

“The threat of even further cuts is making it worse and this is massively expensive to the tax payer and the economy at large.”

The clergyman recently won a High Court ruling to seek a judicial review into legal costs imposed for non-payment of council tax.

Judge Justice Green ruled that an examination into whether or not reasonable process had been applied should take place.