HomePoliticsMajor benefits cuts aim to save billions of pounds a year

Major benefits cuts aim to save billions of pounds a year

Becky Morton

Political reporter


House of Commons Liz Kendall speaking from the despatch box in the House of Commons
House of Commons

The government has unveiled sweeping changes to the benefits system, aimed at saving billions of pounds a year.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the overhaul would create a more “pro-work system” to encourage people to take up jobs, while protecting those who cannot work.

The changes will make it harder for people with less severe conditions to claim disability payments. Extra benefit payments for health conditions will also be frozen for current claimants and nearly halved for new applicants.

And people aged under 22 could be prevented from claiming universal credit top-up payments for health conditions.