Government considers cutting young people's disability support

Ministers are considering removing the health element of universal credit for claimants under twenty-five. More than two hundred fifty thousand young people currently receive this support, official statistics show.

Award already halved for new claimants last year

The health element was almost halved last year for new claimants under amended plans to reduce welfare spending. The government could now extend this change to existing claimants as well.

Cuts would fund employment support for young people

Any spending cuts will be used to fund employment support for young people, including subsidised jobs and mental health support. This builds on existing initiatives to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training, which currently sits at nearly one million.

Personal Independence Payment could be replaced or overhauled

Changes could see the Personal Independence Payment replaced for under twenty-fives, or overhauled entirely for all claimants or possibly those under a cut-off at around fifty or sixty.

Charities warn cuts will worsen poverty and health

Over forty leading charities told the government that cutting benefits for younger claimants worsens health and deepens poverty. Disability charity Scope estimates around nine in ten households with an under twenty-two on universal credit's health element would fall into poverty if the support was removed.

“worsens health and deepens poverty”

Work and pensions secretary calls reform a moral crusade

Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said at Labour conference that reforming welfare is the moral crusade of our times, as too many young people are claiming benefits and out of work.

“the moral crusade of our times”

Two reviews will shape final welfare proposals

No changes are expected to be announced until two government-commissioned reports produce their final recommendations in the autumn. Sir Stephen Timms is reviewing the Personal Independence Payment and Alan Milburn is reviewing youth unemployment.

DWP pledges safety net for most vulnerable

The Department for Work and Pensions said it will ensure there is a safety net for the most vulnerable and those unable to work, and is investing a record three point five billion pounds in employment support for disabled people and those with long-term conditions.