Alan Milburn Welfare Review Proposes Moving Under-25s Off Sickness Benefits

UPDATE - follow-up to Some under-25s should get fewer benefits, Milburn review to say: Alan Milburn's upcoming year-long report will recommend moving under-25s off main sickness and disability benefits. The government-commissioned review is scheduled for publication on Tuesday.

Key Proposals

Under-25s would no longer claim the health element of universal credit or personal independence payment, known as Pip, in England and Wales. Instead, they would get an allowance matching the basic universal credit rate, alongside a potential new additional cost allowance for specific conditions. Claimants with severe disabilities unable to work would receive a higher-rate benefit, while billions in investment would fund work placements and one-to-one advisers.

Reactions

Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated young people will receive timely support rather than remaining on benefits in their twenties. The review could spark debate among Labour MPs, though Dame Meg Hillier expressed broad support. Conversely, backbench MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy raised concerns over cutting benefit entitlements for existing claimants. Student Tom Ashforth warned that losing Pip would hinder his ability to afford essential items for his visual impairment.

Context

This welfare review addresses the rising number of young people in the UK who are not in education, employment or training, a group referred to as Neets. Previous welfare reform attempts have faced resistance from backbench lawmakers concerned about benefit reductions.