Andy Burnham has signaled that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will pursue cuts targeting one specific age group of claimants, as he begins to address the rising benefits bill. The Prime Minister is expected to make a major intervention on welfare this week.
Focus on Young Claimants
In his second week in office, Burnham is widely believed to be eyeing changes that would affect claimants in their 20s. During an interview with BBC Panorama aired on Monday night, the Labour leader said: 'There are people in the benefits system – young people in their 20s – who have been quite seriously let down, because the support wasn’t there for them when it should’ve been there.'
The proposed changes would primarily impact individuals aged 20 to 29. Burnham hinted that the government is considering greater conditionality to restrict benefits for those who do not take up work opportunities when offered. This condition already applies to Universal Credit, but not to claimants receiving the benefit on health grounds. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can be claimed regardless of employment status.
Potential Reforms
According to The Independent, Burnham's government may revisit proposals from Labour last year to limit the amount of the Universal Credit health element that claimants under 22 can receive. The move would effectively tighten access to disability-related support for younger people.
The Conservatives have been quick to respond. Helen Whately, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: 'Letting the welfare bill run wild isn't compassionate. It puts at risk support for those who truly need it. Conservatives are building a new sickness benefits system that's fair to claimants and fair to taxpayers.'
She directly challenged Burnham, stating: 'A year ago we said we'd support Labour if they had the courage to properly reform sickness benefits. And I told them to stop giving out benefits for mild mental health conditions and ADHD – work is better. The offer still stands. Will Andy Burnham take us up on it?'
Impact on Claimants
The proposed restrictions could affect thousands of young people claiming PIP or the health element of Universal Credit. If implemented, claimants aged 20-29 who refuse work opportunities may face reduced payments. The government has not yet confirmed the exact scope of the changes, but the move signals a shift toward greater conditionality in the welfare system.
Burnham's intervention comes amid growing pressure to control welfare spending, which has risen sharply in recent years. Critics argue that such cuts could penalize vulnerable individuals, while supporters contend they are necessary to encourage employment and reduce dependency.
