Burnham says he wants to cut welfare bill 'as soon as we possibly can'
Summary
Andy Burnham said the government wants to reduce welfare spending quickly by helping people move into sustainable work, but he did not guarantee a cut before the next general election. The government has not set a timetable, and further proposals are expected after two reviews report in November.Key Facts
- Welfare spending is forecast to rise from £353bn this year to £431bn in 2031/32.
- Burnham said the government wants to reduce the welfare bill as quickly as possible.
- He warned that blunt cuts could leave people in crisis and increase public spending elsewhere.
- The next UK general election must be held by August 2029.
- The Treasury disputed that Chancellor John Healey had promised a reduction in the benefits bill before the election.
- The government expects further proposals after reviews of disability benefits and young people not in education, employment or training report in November.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Labour’s approach to welfare and the Budget.
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