whether or not the OP referenced it, JamesWales makes a valid point about taking on more work and the reduction in benefits and is a point that is oft overlooked in these discussions.

Inflation at 9%, and it may rise further, although the indication from the IFS and ONS is that the key drivers for the rise are now behind us. However, whilst private sector workers pay has risen by 5, 6, 7%, public sector workers have seen pay rise by 1%. What can this government do...well they could do more:

zero rate VAT on energy
abolish the green levy and fund it from general taxation
have a temporary benefits freeze, insomuch that your benefits can go up but not down, so if you take on more work, you get to keep the same benefits
increase the top rate of tax to 50%