𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to ban long-term jobless benefits claimants from spending their welfare cash on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. Jobless claimants who have not paid enough into the system will have their benefits cut by 30% and loaded onto a “Back To Work” card that bans alcohol, cigarettes, cash withdrawals, and betting.

Under the Tories’ plans, anyone fit to work will get six months on full Universal Credit benefits to find a job, but the full rate will only be kept after that by those who have earned it through paying taxes.

Mrs Badenoch said, “Some will say this is unfair to people claiming benefits. What is unfair is a system where someone who can work chooses not to and earns more from benefits than someone in a job.

“If you can work, you should work. Helping people into work is not punishment. The best welfare is a well-paid job. So, we will be tough on those who exploit the system because the current system is unfair to workers, taxpayers and those who truly need support. We should not be borrowing from our children and grandchildren to support people who simply refuse to work.

“Welfare must be a safety net for those who genuinely need it, not a lifestyle choice for those who can’t be bothered.”

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