Beneficiaries around the country are reeling today after the Labour/Alliance Government confirmed they will cut benefits by $20 a week before Christmas.

The shock move was condemmed by Young Nationals Chairman Daniel Gordon today. "After National's changes to superannuation this year, Labour and Alliance described it as a 'cut' because the increase in super was less than previously expected. Therefore, using their own definition, the new Government has cut benefits by $20 a week by not accepting the Alliance's proposed increase."

Mr Gordon said he stunned by the cruelty of the new Government.

"This is blatant beneficiary-bashing," raged Mr Gordon. "Helen Clark has stolen Christmas for thousands of families. I wonder how she can sleep at night, knowing what she has done.

"This is the worst Government we've had in years," concluded Mr Gordon.