Conservative Party Proposes Benefit Cuts and Spending Restrictions

The Conservative Party (UK) has proposed a welfare reform plan that would reduce Universal Credit payments by 30% for claimants who have not made sufficient national insurance contributions. Under the proposal, claimants would receive full benefits for six months, after which those without a sufficient employment history would see their payments cut to a 70% subsistence allowance.

These reduced payments would be issued via a back to work pre-payment card. The card would prohibit cash withdrawals and spending on alcohol, cigarettes, and gambling, while allowing payments for food and bills. The plan excludes individuals who are sick, disabled, or already working. Party leaders estimate the reforms would affect 350,000 people across England, Scotland, and Wales, saving £538 million annually.

Kemi Badenoch and Helen Whately argued that the measures ensure welfare remains a safety net rather than a lifestyle choice. However, the Labour Party dismissed the card scheme as unworkable. Robert Jenrick of Reform UK criticized the plan as a sticking plaster that is too weak to significantly reduce the welfare bill. Poverty charities, including Trussell, condemned the proposal as a fast track to increased poverty that could hinder job seeking by making basic necessities unaffordable.