TaxPayers' Alliance Reports 7.3 Million Adults Receive Universal Credit

Analysis from the TaxPayers' Alliance reveals that 20.3 percent of working-age adults in England and Wales, totaling 7.3 million people, were recipients of Universal Credit as of May 2026. The data highlights significant regional disparities, with 54 council areas reporting that at least 25 percent of their working-age population is on benefits. Blackpool recorded the highest share at 35.2 percent.

The research shows that 2.2 million recipients are under the age of 40, with youth dependency concentrated in coastal towns such as Thanet, Great Yarmouth, and Hartlepool. The TaxPayers' Alliance attributes these trends to tax increases, including higher employers' national insurance, which they argue make hiring more expensive. The group and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately have criticized Andy Burnham for a perceived failure to reform welfare and encourage youth employment.

In response, the Department for Work and Pensions stated that the increase in cases largely results from a transition from legacy benefits. The agency announced a 3.5 billion pound investment in employment support specifically for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.