Healey’s welfare remarks prompt clarification

Politics · First reported 29 Oct, 07:49 · Updated 11:30

John Healey said the benefits bill needs to fall, but the Treasury and Downing Street said the government has not set a timetable for doing so before the next election. Reviews of disability benefits and youth employment are expected to inform proposals.

Healey said the benefits bill should come down and described the current system as unsustainable, while rejecting crude cuts.
The Treasury disputed that Healey had promised a reduction before the next general election; Downing Street said no arbitrary target or timetable had been set.
Reviews of disability benefits and young people not in education, employment or training are expected to guide longer-term reforms.
The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast rising welfare spending, including substantial costs for pensioner, health-related and disability benefits.

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Key facts

Government position: Downing Street said no arbitrary target or timetable had been set for reducing the welfare bill.
Reviews: Reviews cover disability benefits and young people not in education, employment or training.
Forecast: The BBC reports a forecast of £431bn in welfare spending in 2031/32.
Next steps: The BBC says the government is expected to respond to the reviews by year-end, publish a policy document and introduce legislation the following year.