The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering scrapping the health element of Universal Credit for claimants under 25, replacing it with a multibillion-pound package of support to help young people into work, according to reports. The proposal, under consideration by Andy Burnham's government, would also apply to existing claimants, not just new ones, as part of a broader effort to reduce the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (Neets), which is now nearing one million.
Key changes under consideration
Reports in national media on Friday, October 2, suggest the Labour Party is exploring dramatic changes to the benefits system, including removing the health element of Universal Credit for under-25s. Instead of cash payments, young people would receive a multibillion-pound package of support designed to help them find employment. The possibility of removing the benefit for existing claimants is also being examined, according to the reports.
The changes are being considered ahead of the Timms Review and Milburn Review, which are due to file their final reports. The proposals come from Makerfield MP Andy Burnham, who is leading the government's efforts to reform the welfare system.
Government source defends approach
A Government source told The Guardian: “We will be bringing forward a comprehensive package of support and reform to tackle the scandal of a million young people not in education, employment or training.”
“The details are yet to be decided, but we are committed to enabling work and opportunity, while always protecting those unable to work,” the source added.
Reaction from claimants and public
Responding to the reports, one claimant said: “If disabled young people can do subsidised work, does this not suggest they are in fact able? Just a thought.”
Another commenter suggested that young people on benefits could take on council maintenance tasks, saying: “Takes a week to train someone to fill potholes, a day on how to scrape the moss out of the joints on pavements, half a day to identify and pull out weeds on the streets, half an hour to teach someone to pick up litter, you know, all the jobs that councils used to do, which could be done by those on benefits.”
A third questioned the need for extensive support, asking: “Why do youngsters need all this 'support' to start work? There need to be jobs in the first place of course, but if there are vacancies people should be expected to work - not given endless support which seems in many cases just to give them opportunities to come up with excuses to be idle.”
The final reports from the Timms Review and Milburn Review are expected to provide further detail on the proposed changes, which could significantly alter the benefits landscape for young disabled people in the UK.
