THE benefits sanctions system is said to be in chaos with appeals taking weeks or months, leaving people without money and extremely distressed.

Is the problem understaffing? If so, Iain Duncan Smith should own up.

Failing that, new minister Esther McVey could be asked to sort out the sanctions chaos.

The passport chaos is another problem. Is that down to understaffing? The Tory-led government needs to be more candid with people and press.

Max Nottingham, St Faith’s Street, Lincoln