Published • loading... • Updated
Tory Welfare Crackdown Would Ban Benefit Spending on Booze and Cigarettes
The plan would move 350,000 claimants onto a lower allowance and could save taxpayers £538 million a year, the Conservatives estimate.
- Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch proposed a new "Subsistence Allowance" worth 70% of full Universal Credit payments, with funds loaded onto a "back to work" card blocking alcohol, cigarette, and gambling purchases.
- Facing a forecast £408.6bn welfare bill by 2030/31, the Conservatives estimate moving 350,000 claimants to the lower rate would save taxpayers £538 million annually.
- Claimants receive six months of full benefits while seeking work; after that, eligibility depends on employment history. Badenoch confirmed disabled individuals, those off sick, and people already in work remain exempt.
- Helen Barnard, director of policy at the charity Trussell, labeled the proposals "deeply misguided," while Reform UK's Robert Jenrick called the plan "weak" and a Labour Party spokesperson termed the scheme "unworkable."
- Further welfare policy details are expected at the Conservative party conference opening in Birmingham on October 4, while the Labour government is introducing a £3.5 billion employment support package to help people return to work.
Insights by Ground AI
24 Articles
24 Articles
Long-term benefits claims could be coupled from buying alcohol and cigarettes under Tory plans
Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left8Leaning Right3Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left, 42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 42%
C 42%
R 16%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
