Tories would prevent long-term jobless spending benefits on alcohol and cigarettes
Summary
The Conservative Party in the UK has proposed cutting welfare payments by 30% for people who have been unemployed for more than six months and have not paid enough into the system. The reduced payments would be given on a special card that cannot be used to buy alcohol, cigarettes, or gamble, aiming to encourage people to find work and reduce welfare costs.Key Facts
- Long-term unemployed claimants (over six months) could have Universal Credit payments cut by 30%.
- The reduced payment would be loaded onto a "Back to Work" card, which restricts spending on alcohol, cigarettes, and gambling.
- Those who have paid more into the system get longer full-rate benefits before moving to the reduced "Subsistence Allowance."
- Sick, disabled, or people already working are exempt from the cuts and card restrictions.
- The plan aims to save around £538 million a year by affecting about 350,000 people.
- Critics say the plan is unfair and could hurt people who already struggle to afford essentials like food and heating.
- The Conservatives also want to change disability and sickness benefits to reduce government spending.
- Welfare spending in the UK is forecasted to rise to £408.6 billion by 2030/31.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
