First details of welfare reforms due today

The Government will announce details of the first stage of its welfare reforms today - including when changes to the domestic purposes, widows and youth benefits will take place.

The announcement will be after today's Cabinet meeting.

Details of changes to the unemployment, sickness and invalid's benefits will be announced later.

The Government wants to eventually replace the current benefits with three: jobseeker support, sole parent support and a supported living payment.

It says benefit rates will not be cut.