Health news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Brits with ADHD or anxiety set to see £217 a month benefits axed
Proposals expected in Alan Milburn’s report on youth employment could change how some under-25s with health conditions receive Universal Credit. Those without severe disabilities that significantly limit their ability to work may be moved off the health element and offered employment, education or training support instead, as Labour seeks to increase youth employment and reduce welfare spending.
The health element is worth about £217 a month for new recipients, and around 260,000 young people currently receive it, according to the Resolution Foundation. Nearly one million people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training; the article says the report may draw on systems in Denmark and the Netherlands, where participation in work or training programmes can be required for state support. Some groups, including care leavers, young carers and teenage parents, could receive extra financial help.
In short
- Some under-25s could lose the £217 monthly Universal Credit health element.
- A new system may link support to work, education or training.
- Vulnerable groups could receive extra financial assistance.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that the current health element may leave some young people with less incentive or practical help to move towards work, education or training, even when their condition does not severely restrict their capacity. Replacing it for this group with tailored support and participation requirements could improve long-term prospects while helping contain welfare costs, with extra help for groups facing particular barriers.
The case against
Critics could argue that ADHD and anxiety can seriously affect a person’s ability to work, even when their limitations do not meet a high threshold for severe disability, and that removing roughly £217 a month could deepen hardship. They may also question whether required programmes can accommodate fluctuating health and individual circumstances, warning that sanctions or loss of support could undermine wellbeing rather than enable lasting employment.