Young people should get fewer welfare benefits, according to Milburn review on the workforce – UK politics live
Under-25s could lose entitlement to main sickness and disability benefits under a welfare overhaul proposed by the government-commissioned Milburn review.
The government-commissioned review into young people and work, led by former health secretary Alan Milburn, is expected to propose significant changes to the welfare system. Under the plans, under-25s would lose entitlement to the health element of universal credit and personal independence payment (Pip), which would be replaced with a standard-rate youth allowance.
The review, which has been under way for a year, examines barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce and addresses the growing number classified as not in education, employment or training (Neet), currently standing at about 981,000 across the UK. The final review is due to be published on Tuesday.
Proposed welfare changes
According to proposals first reported by The Times, those with additional needs arising from a disability would receive a separate, non-means-tested allowance. Meanwhile, those with severe disabilities who are not capable of working would qualify for a higher rate.
Milburn acknowledged that the changes would not be "pain-free", admitting some young people could initially receive less financial support than under the current system. The review aims to create a more streamlined approach to welfare for young people while encouraging workforce participation.
The changes would not be "pain-free", admitting some young people could initially receive less financial support than under the current system.
Climate summit developments
Prime Minister Andy Burnham addressed world leaders at Cop31 in Turkey, pledging a "new era of British leadership" on climate change. He reaffirmed the UK's commitment to its 2050 net-zero target while acknowledging that international consensus on climate science "has gone".
Burnham warned that "the reality is the world will breach the 1.5C target" and stressed the need for clean energy transition. He highlighted progress in bringing down the price of clean technologies for consumers, noting that electric cars now cost less than petrol equivalents in the UK.
If we depend on energy we do not control, we depend on prices we cannot control. The shift to clean energy is the only route to energy security.
The UK has also appointed Madeleine Alessandri as the world's first special representative for climate security. In this role, she will advise the government on the national security risks posed by climate change.
Related
