What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Up to four million families are still lumped with a 55p-a-minute benefits helpline - despite Theresa May boasting she will scrap charges.

All welfare hotlines run by the DWP will switch to a freephone number to quell a backlash over new benefit Universal Credit.

But the Prime Minister’s announcement this week did not include Tax Credits - which were claimed by 4.3million families in 2015/16.

They are left out because Tax Credits are run separately by HM Revenue and Customs.

HMRC officials confirmed there were no immediate plans to scrap its 0345 helpline, which also charges 55p on some mobile networks.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

A Labour spokesman said: “How can the government defend charging for its tax credits helpline when it now concedes the one for universal credit should be free?”

An HMRC spokesman said 0345 number was “often free in people’s phone packages” and people could get in touch online.

It came as Theresa May’s right-hand man hinted at a third major climbdown over the disastrous rollout of Universal Credit today.

Ministers have already scrapped the premium helpline and announced same-day advance payments for those hit.

Now First Secretary Damian Green will not rule out cutting the six-week wait for payments ahead of next month’s Budget.

Asked directly the six-week period should be cut, even if it costs money, the top Tory told the Mirror: “I think payment system by which Universal Credit is paid is always up for improvement.”

Asked again, specifically, if he would cut it from six to four weeks, he replied: “It’s clearly a matter for the Secretary of State and the Cabinet more widely.

“As I’ve said, I think over time we’ve looked at ways of improving systems... so we could make sure we test the systems and as problems emerged, put them right. I’m sure David Gauke will continue to do that.”

Speaking to journalists in Westminster, Mr Green came under heavy fire for ordering Tory MPs to boycott a vote on pausing the rollout.

The Labour motion passed 299-0 but Mr Green said it wasn’t binding and denied being “out of touch” with poor people’s lives.