Key facts
- Welfare spending is forecast to rise to £431bn by 2031/32.
- Healey aims to reduce the benefits bill by helping young people into work.
- Specific reforms await the publication of reviews on disability benefits and youth unemployment.
UK Chancellor John Healey has pledged to reduce the welfare bill before the next general election, stating that the current system is unsustainable and not progressive for Britain. He ruled out 'crude cuts' and indicated that changes would be based on previous Labour government policies, focusing on encouraging young people to accept job or training offers. Specific reforms are expected to follow the publication of two major reviews on disability benefits and youth unemployment.