The recently introduced Jobseeker's Allowance, with its tough test of a claimant's availability for work, has also led to a sharp fall in benefit claims.

ECONOMIST: Working for your welfare

MPs also backed ministers by 332 to 266 over plans to means-test the same allowance after 12 months, so people recovering from an illness or injury will be able to claim contributory ESA for one year rather than the two years proposed by peers.

BBC: Welfare Reform Bill - part one

The trial, which became known as the "Mensalao" or the "Big Monthly" allowance, was seen as a key test of Brazil's ability to hold its politicians to account for corruption.

BBC: Brazil prosecutors investigate ex-President Lula