THE “deeply harmful” benefits cap must be scrapped as it leaves families with just £44 to live on a week after paying rent, a children's charity said.

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) said the measure “trapped” 250,000 children in deep poverty as it released its shock findings ahead of its “unhappy” 10th anniversary today.

Its analysis found a lone parent with three children has to cover all non-housing costs on £44 per week in some areas of London, despite the cap being higher in the capital.