Focus on jobs, not benefits, to cut welfare bill, says thinktank
Summary
A research report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says the best way to reduce the welfare bill is to focus on creating more jobs, not cutting benefits. The study shows that if 80% of working-age people had jobs, the government could save £10 billion on universal credit costs.Key Facts
- Getting 80% of working-age people into jobs could reduce universal credit costs by £10 billion.
- Spending on non-pensioner benefits is expected to stay about 5% of GDP through the current parliament.
- Polling shows 59% of voters want the government to reduce welfare costs by tackling root causes like job creation, housing, and health.
- Only 20% of voters support cutting benefits quickly by limiting eligibility.
- Claims for health-related universal credit are higher in areas with fewer local jobs, often in former industrial or coastal regions.
- Nearly 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment, or training (called Neets).
- The government is investing in jobs programs, apprenticeships, and training for young people and disabled individuals.
- The Department for Work and Pensions emphasizes helping people into work while allowing those on sickness or disability benefits to try working without losing benefits immediately.
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