Tag: welfare
Welfare U-turn makes spending decisions harder, minister tells BBC
Spending decisions have been made “harder” by the government’s U-turn on welfare changes, the education secretary has said, as she did not commit to scrapping the two-child benefit cap. Bridget Phillipson told BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme that ministers were “looking at every lever” to lift children out of poverty. But she said…
Government wins welfare bill vote after big concessions to rebels
The government has won a vote on its benefits bill by 75 votes, but only after offering last-minute concessions to Labour rebels. Ministers had already watered down their plans once by reversing some cuts to universal credit and protecting current claimants of personal independence payment (Pip) from stricter eligibility rules. However, some Labour MPs were…
Starmer says fixing welfare is a ‘moral imperative’
Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK’s benefits system is broken and fixing it is a “moral imperative”, a day after a backbench Labour revolt saw him forced into a U-turn on welfare cuts. The prime minister told the Welsh Labour Party conference in Llandudno that the government would not take away the welfare “safety…
Starmer set to announce welfare climbdown in deal with Labour rebels
The government is expected to announce a deal with Labour rebels on its planned benefits changes. Ministers are expected to fast-track a £1bn support plan originally scheduled for 2029. The concessions amount to a massive climbdown from the government, which was staring at the prospect of defeat if it failed to accommodate the demands of…
Starmer confirms talks with Labour rebels over welfare cuts concessions
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed the government is in talks with Labour rebels over concessions on its welfare plans. The prime minister said talks would continue in the coming days to “get it right” ahead of a scheduled vote on Tuesday next week on legislation to deliver the proposals. It comes after more than 120…
A political storm is brewing over welfare cuts – can Starmer ride it out?
Angela Rayner has declared that the government will go ahead with its controversial legislation, aimed at reforming the welfare system, next week. But a well-placed source told us it could still be pulled: “It’s a live discussion.” Conversations are continuing at the heart of government on the least worst course of action in the face…
Reeves to make new welfare cuts in Spring Statement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to make further cuts to welfare benefits and government departments in her Spring Statement on Wednesday. The government announced big welfare spending reductions last week but the chancellor is set to expand the cuts after being told reforms to the system would save less than planned. The chancellor faces pressure…
Chancellor Rachel Reeves insists changes to welfare spending needed
Rachel Reeves has insisted on the need to “get a grip” on the welfare bill, saying the system is not working for the taxpayer or recipients. The chancellor’s comments come amid concerns from Labour MPs about the impact of expected cuts to the welfare budget, as the government attempts to ease worries among backbench MPs.…