𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

The Labour Government is expected to make welfare cuts that some warn could “punish” society’s most vulnerable. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is expected to outline plans for benefits reform on Tuesday, which could see the welfare budget slashed by billions.

The Government has said it wants to get more people back to work and slash the benefits bill, which ministers have described as “unsustainable.” Reports that this could include cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main disability benefit, have sparked an outcry among MPs, including Labour backbenchers.

Ministers insist reform is necessary given the number of people in England and Wales claiming either sickness or disability benefits has rocketed from 2.8 million to about four million since 2019.

The benefits bill has risen with this increase, reaching £48 billion in 2023-24. It is forecast to continue rising to £67bn in 2029-30.

The Express would like to know what you think. Should the Government cut benefits? Please let us know by taking part in our poll and joining the debate in our comments section below.

If you can’t see the poll above, click here.

Emma Reynolds, Economic Secretary to the Treasury, has insisted the most vulnerable would be protected.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham urged “caution” on benefit changes. In The Times, Mr Burnham said he agreed the welfare system needed “a radical overhaul”, but said the Government should focus on helping people into work rather than simply cutting benefits.

Conservative Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately has said Labour is “divided” over welfare and “cannot deliver the decisive change” Britain needs.

She said: “The Government’s dithering and delay is costing taxpayers millions every day and failing the people who rely on the welfare system.

“Under new leadership, the Conservatives are the only party united in the need to reduce spending on benefits… Labour must come forward with a serious plan to deliver savings.”