Kemi’s ruthless crackdown on Benefits Street: Tory leader says those who have not worked long enough will see handouts cut 30% and they will be barred from spending the rest on booze, cigarettes and betting
Kemi Badenoch has proposed reducing Universal Credit for long-term unemployed people who are judged capable of working but have made limited contributions through employment, if the Conservatives return to power. After six months on the standard allowance, eligible claimants would receive 70% of the full rate through a restricted “Back To Work” card, intended to prevent spending on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or cash withdrawals.
The Conservatives estimate that around 350,000 people could be affected and that the policy would save £538 million by 2029–30. Entitlement would depend on work history, with one year of full-rate support earned for every two years worked; disabled and seriously ill claimants, along with housing and child payments, would remain unaffected. The proposal forms part of wider Conservative plans to reduce welfare spending by £23 billion.
- Universal Credit could be reduced for some long-term unemployed claimants.
- Restricted cards would limit spending on alcohol, tobacco and gambling.
- Conservatives estimate savings of £538 million by 2029–30.