- This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 4 days ago by
.
- Topic
” Keir Starmer will not overhaul welfare system for at least a year
The postponement makes it less likely that any controversial policies would be implemented before the next general election.
Sir Keir Starmer has vetoed plans for a fresh attempt to reform Britain’s welfare system as Downing Street seeks to avoid another confrontation with Labour MPs.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has been told it will not be given time in parliament to introduce any new changes to the benefits system until next year at the earliest.
The decision makes it less likely that any controversial reforms to the welfare system will be implemented before the next general election due in 2029.
Two major reviews into the welfare state which ministers hope will eventually bring down the cost of the benefits bill are due to report this year but both are expected to require legislation to implement.
A review into disability benefits, launched after an attempt to make £5 billion of savings was thwarted by a Labour rebellion, is due in the autumn. Meanwhile Alan Milburn, the government’s work tsar, is looking at how changes to the benefits system could reduce the number of young people not in employment, education or training.
Another proposal to be shelved is a plan for “unemployment insurance” which was announced as part of a package of welfare reforms last March. This would have seen people just leaving work receive higher benefits payouts but reduce some payments over the long term for those with health conditions.
Downing Street is drawing up plans for the King’s Speech, due in May, which will set out the government’s legislative agenda for the next session of parliament that will run until mid 2027 at the earliest.
As part of the process every government department bids for time to introduce new laws that have to be approved by No 10.
The Times has been told that the DWP has so far been unsuccessful in its attempt to include its bills in the speech.”Government sources stressed that discussion about legislation was still continuing, and that even if welfare reform was not included in the King’s Speech a bill could still be introduced at a later date in the session.
One minister said: “Clearly any welfare reform is going to be very difficult with the back benches, and the closer you get to a general election the less you want to do the difficult stuff.
“We’ve got to remember that largely the public wants to see welfare reform, and we do need to show delivery on that. This is not showing that reform is a priority.”
Another government source said: “The message it sends is a bit silly politically. The King’s Speech is not totally prescriptive, but it makes it seem like we are making no plans to change anything for a year.”
A source close to Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, said it was “untrue to say we’re not reforming welfare in this parliament”.Non Paywall Link
- Replies
“The public want Welfare Reforms” I wonder why that is? Maybe because the former government keeps telling them that the welfare bill is oversized because of lazy work dodgers receiving both disability and unemployment benefits for mild anxiety or ADHD. Maybe because the party that’s been recruiting former government members has been painting pictures of wasters in posh cars provided for free.
The promise of no significant changes until the next election at least gives some relief to the stresses and grief of the last few months dealing with just the Motability changes.
Beyond the next election, assuming this government doesn’t perform a miraculous turnaround, things will get worse, much worse.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
A strange article, as the final quote undermines the entire piece! However, with the current government (and PM) being so unpopular, as the next general election draws closer, we can expect even more U turns if their back benchers don’t like the policies!
In reply to GlosGuy
Not a political point but keeping to this important topic/news
Who knows tbh what Starmer will do from one week to the next
Or if he will even be in the UK to be able to take notice
But imo and this is only my view
I am not sure the final McFadden quote does undermine the entire piece!
First thing is he got someone to say something for him and did not directly deny anything
Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary Mmmm
McFadden likes to rattle on and make out he is in complete control
I feel after quickly looking back at his chequered history (Post Office Horizon Scandal/Civil Service Reform/sacked for Disloyalty” under Jeremy Corbyn/ Decision to try and restrict the Winter Fuel Payment,
imo only
Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary can at times get carried away in his new role and imo at times appear to be a bit of a lone crusader whos words at times can carry little weight or truth and thats imo and also of that of others
I suggest he is a loose cannon erratic and cannot be trusted
This manner and his continual actions will imo prove to be his down fall
But as always its just imo
Time will tell
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.