Haigh refuses to say when Labour will ‘get welfare bill down’

Louise Haigh declined to say when Labour expects to reduce the welfare bill, saying the government would focus on “investing in success” and make support more conditional on taking up opportunities. The exchange matters because ministers have not set a timetable, while forecasts show welfare spending rising during this parliament.

The Office for Budget Responsibility projects total welfare spending will increase from about £334 billion in 2025 to £413 billion in 2030, with much of the growth driven by pensioner spending. It also forecasts working-age health and disability benefits could rise by just under £20 billion, and Universal Credit by more than £14 billion. Haigh said Labour had not set a timetable for reducing the bill; a government policy paper is due next year, and Alan Milburn is expected to report on youth unemployment within weeks.