Majority Support Universal Credit Reform Focused on Jobs, Says Thinktank
DWP told to begin Universal Credit overhaul with 59% of people in favour
Image: Birmingham Live
A report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation urges the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to prioritize job creation over benefit cuts to reduce Universal Credit costs by £10 billion. A survey reveals 59% of respondents favor addressing economic insecurity rather than restricting benefits.
- 01The Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that achieving the government's job target could reduce Universal Credit costs by £10 billion.
- 0259% of surveyed individuals support a long-term approach to reducing DWP costs by tackling root causes of economic insecurity.
- 03Only 20% of respondents prefer immediate cost cuts through restricting benefit eligibility.
- 04Less than 10% of those surveyed support reducing benefit amounts for claimants.
- 05The DWP's spokesperson emphasized ongoing investments in job training and support for young people, including a £3.5 billion investment for sick and disabled individuals.
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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has called on the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to shift its focus from benefits to job creation to effectively reduce the welfare bill. The thinktank claims that achieving the Labour Party's goal of placing 80% of workers in jobs could decrease Universal Credit costs by £10 billion, representing an eighth of the current expenditure. JRF's research counters the prevailing narrative that social security spending is out of control, indicating that non-pensioner benefit costs are projected to remain stable at about 5% of GDP. A survey of 4,000 individuals revealed that 59% support addressing the root causes of economic insecurity, such as job creation and affordable housing, rather than cutting benefits directly. The DWP has highlighted its commitment to reforming welfare by investing in job training and support programs, including a £3.5 billion initiative aimed at helping sick and disabled individuals transition into work.
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The proposed shift in focus could lead to significant changes in welfare policies, potentially improving job opportunities and economic stability for low-income families.
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