£2.6m benefits mother says: System is a joke

A single mother of eight is still living in a £2.6million Notting Hill house funded by the taxpayer - a year after the Government vowed to crack down on housing benefits.

The home of Francesca Walker, a near neighbour of David Cameron and Elle Macpherson, costs the public £7,600 a month.

Muslim convert Miss Walker, 34, was put in the four-storey house last September due to a rule forcing local authorities to place tenants in private properties if suitable council homes are unavailable.

She said: "It's ridiculous that the Government has housed me here as it's a complete waste of money. The benefits system is a joke."