The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) Christmas bonus will be paid to those receiving many DWP benefits this week.

But, as David Kirkwood, who started a petition entitled Adjust the £10 DWP Christmas Bonus introduced in 1972 to reflect inflation says, the one-off tax-free £10 doesn't go as far now as it should.

He says: "In the early 1970s, £10 was a valuable uplift for those without income, to help with the increased costs associated with Christmas time. It would have helped towards paying for heating and electricity, food and drinks or Christmas presents for kids.

"It would have been the equivalent of approximately £180 today adjusted for inflation. £10 today won't even buy a round of drinks, wouldn't pay for a quality Christmas pudding or buy a box of decent Christmas Crackers.

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