A national newspaper has labelled one of Kent’s seaside towns as "scrounger central".

And a local MP has condemned the "broken" system which enables claimants to get away with it.

The News of the World said Dalby Square, Margate, was a street full of "spongers" where 62 per cent of residents – or eight times the national average - receive some form of benefit.

The most recent government statistics seen by the Kent Messenger Group for Cliftonville West, which includes Dalby Square, show that 1,625 people - or 38.9 per cent of the ward’s population - receive handouts from the Department for Work and Pensions, nearly three times the national average.

In February, 405 people - nearly 10 per cent of the ward population - claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, compared to 2.3 per cent across the country.

Roger Gale, the MP for North Thanet, declined to comment on the accuracy of the report, but said that Margate had particular problems with homes in multiple occupation.

He said: “These used to be guest houses but their use changed as the seaside trade declined, and many are now bed sits which often attract people claiming benefit.

"We now have a situation whereby people like myself, who represents constituents hoping to claim disability living allowance at tribunals, have to fight for the pennies those people need and deserve, while others, who have no right to benefit at all, are claiming it and getting away with it.

"That cannot be right. The system is broken and needs a thorough overhaul."

Stephen Timms, Minister for Employment, said the Government is implementing a package of welfare reforms to ensure that people are given new opportunities to get into work.

The news comes as a Medway councillor has quit after triggering an outcry by suggesting parents on benefits should be "sterilised">>>