A major independent review of the UK welfare system, led by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn, is set to recommend that some people under the age of 25 should receive reduced benefits. The proposed radical overhaul would move younger claimants off the main sickness benefits, arguing that early intervention and work-focused support could prevent long-term economic inactivity. The review is expected to suggest that the current system traps young people in dependency rather than helping them into employment, and will call for a fundamental redesign of how sickness and disability payments are structured for this age group.
The recommendations are likely to prove politically contentious, with disability charities and opposition parties warning that cutting support for under-25s risks pushing vulnerable young people into poverty. Government sources have indicated the proposals will be examined closely as ministers seek to reduce the welfare bill and address rising levels of economic inactivity among young adults. The review’s findings are due to be published in full later this year, and any legislative changes would require consultation with stakeholders before implementation.
Independent reporting synthesized from primary wires and global correspondents.