- Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden is preparing a renewed effort to reform Britain's welfare system, stating that Labour must move beyond "simply writing a cheque" for claimants and instead provide more job support.
- McFadden emphasised that while the system must always support those who can never work, the government owes people more than just benefits and must help those who could work to do so, investing in support to get them back into employment.
- This push for reform follows the government's previous failed attempt to cut the welfare bill last year, which saw a £5bn U-turn after a significant rebellion by backbench MPs.
- The proposed reforms are influenced by two government reports: Alan Milburn's review into youth worklessness, which called for a "whole system reset," and Stephen Timms's interim review, which found disability benefits "no longer fit for purpose" and the application process "dehumanising."
- Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham is reportedly prepared to overhaul the welfare system, with Alan Milburn indicating that Burnham has the "appetite" to revisit welfare reforms during this parliamentary term.
IN FULL
