Now is your chance to quiz a government minister on an issue which affects you.

Last month, Kent Online revealed how nearly 23,000 people in the county will be hit by a major shake-up to the benefits system.

Now we are giving you an opportunity to quiz one of the men responsible for the overhaul - the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell.

The sweeping changes will see incapacity benefit scrapped, with people who are currently on it reassessed to find what jobs they can do, instead of what they can’t.

Those who are genuinely unable to return to work for health reasons would see their financial support increased through Employment Support Allowance, whilst people who are fit to work would receive Jobseeker’s Allowance only.

Unemployed drug users could also be banned from receiving benefits unless they seek medical advice and agree to a treatment plan.

The changes affect thousands of you but what do you make of the government's plan? Perhaps you think the shake-up is unfair? Are you unsure about what you will be entitled to under the new rules?

If you stand to be affected, you can send in your questions to Mr Purnell using our Speak Out page.

Mr Purnell will then reply to some of your questions next week via Kent Online.