Labour Party members hold a more stringent view on welfare than commonly assumed, according to a recent poll, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledges to adopt a serious approach to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) spending. The survey, conducted among 788 members from late June to late July, reveals that welfare benefits rank among their lowest priorities, with only 7% citing it as a key concern. Notably, 47% of members believe Labour currently spends too much on the benefits bill, while 21% think it does not spend enough.
Burnham's Commitment to Welfare Reform
Andy Burnham, MP for Makerfield, has vowed to "get serious" about welfare under his premiership, potentially making it easier to push through cuts. He recently emphasized his intention to reduce the social security bill by addressing underlying issues related to employment, health, and the housing market, rather than resorting to "crude cuts." This approach aligns with findings from the poll, suggesting that Labour members are open to reform but wary of blunt measures.
Members' Perspectives on Spending
Christabel Cooper, interim director of political strategy at ThinkLabour, commented: "Labour members have a tougher view on welfare than you might think. They will be aware that welfare is something the Labour government has to get right if it is going to win a second term. And they also understand the importance of defence in a deeply uncertain world. That’s why it’s important to understand what members actually say rather than just rely on assumptions about what they might think."
Public Sentiment on Social Security
Research conducted by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Trussell, in collaboration with More in Common, indicates that public concern about the social security system is high, yet this does not translate into widespread support for blunt cuts. When asked about the preferred approach to reducing social security spending, more than twice as many people (59%) favour tackling the underlying causes of benefit claims, compared to 20% who support restricting eligibility and 8% who advocate cutting benefit rates.
Burnham's Stance on Benefits
In a previous interview with Andrew Marr, Burnham stated: "I’m not going to go with the crude cuts to benefit levels that then just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty." This reinforces his commitment to a more nuanced strategy, focusing on long-term solutions rather than immediate reductions.
Implications for Policy
The findings suggest that while Labour members support welfare reform, they prefer a measured approach that addresses root causes. This could influence the government's policy direction, balancing fiscal responsibility with social protection. As Burnham moves forward, the emphasis on tackling underlying problems may shape future DWP initiatives, potentially impacting millions of benefit claimants across the UK.
