UK benefits overhaul: under-25s face cuts to sickness support
A UK government review recommends stripping under-25s of key sickness benefits like PIP, moving them onto basic allowances alongside increased job placement support.
Young people across the UK could see welfare payments reduced under radical reforms proposed by a government-commissioned review. The year-long report, led by former health secretary Alan Milburn and due on Tuesday, recommends moving claimants under 25 off main sickness and disability benefits.
Under the plans, under-25s would no longer receive the health element of Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Claimants would instead receive basic allowances, with higher rates reserved only for severe disabilities. The review also proposes investing billions into job subsidies and personal advisers to help young people into work.
Milburn warned the shift would not be pain-free, acknowledging that many claimants will receive less support. With one in eight 16-to-24-year-olds currently not in education, employment or training, ministers plan to legislate the reforms in the new year.
Source: BBC News
