Explained: Why are ministers reforming the system?
Ministers are under pressure to tackle the growing welfare bill. Working-age adults accounted for over £48billion on health and disability benefits in 2023/24, according to the OBR. By 2029/30 this is forecast to rise to over £75billion.
Last week Keir Starmer said the current welfare system was “indefensible”. He told MPs at PMQs : “We must and we will reform it… we will protect those who need protecting. We will also support those who can work back to work. Labour is the party of work. We are also the party of equality and fairness.”
Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, also says she wants to get more people in work and is concerned especially about the growing number of young people not in employment, education or training. She has promised to ensure “trust and fairness in the social security system”, saying on Monday: “I want to say there has understandably been lots of speculation about the government’s reforms to social security.
“I want to assure the House, and most importantly the public, that we’ll be coming forward with our proposals imminently, to ensure there is trust and fairness in the social security system, and to ensure it’s there for people who need it now, and for years to come,” she added.
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