Tens of thousands of young people could lose their right to claim benefits for four years as part of radical new proposals to curb payments to EU migrants.

Under the changes, benefit claimants would have had to reside legally in the UK for four years to receive them.

The time threshold will only start once a Briton turns 18, though, meaning native-born citizens or those who have lived here all their lives will have access to benefits, largely tax credits and housing benefit, cut completely until age 22.