A PUBLIC meeting has been called to debate benefits and welfare spending.

The debate is the second to be staged by Durham Democracy Forum, a new group set up to discuss the big political issues of the day.

The meeting will be held in Durham Town Hall on Thursday, May 1, at 6pm.

The panel will include Chris Goulden, a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee which advises the Department for Work and Pensions; Ryan Bourne, head of public policy at the conservative Institute for Economic Affairs think tank; and Paul Simpson, from Durham People’s Assembly.

Matters to be addressed include whether there should be any welfare cuts, if so, where they should fall and the so-called bedroom tax.

All are welcome and entry is free. For further details, visit durhamdemocracyforum.org.uk