Ministers consider removing key disability benefit for under-25s

Government ministers are considering the removal of a key disability benefit for people under 25, The Guardian reported on 1 October.

The proposal is part of a wider plan to reduce the welfare bill and move more young disabled people into employment through a multibillion-pound package of intensive support. Whitehall sources told the publication that the scale of the changes under debate is larger than previously thought.

The move follows an official review into youth unemployment authored by Alan Milburn. His report estimated that youth unemployment costs the UK £125bn annually.

Current statistics show nearly one million 16 to 24 year olds in the UK are classified as not in employment, education or training.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that the nature of the welfare system must change. In an interview with the BBC, he said that some support should be "conditional upon people taking opportunities that are presented."

Minister Pat McFadden described the overhaul as a "moral responsibility" during a speech at the Labour conference on 27 September. He argued that Labour MPs must accept significant changes to the system to increase youth employment.

More than 40 leading charities have warned against the proposed direction. In letters sent to ministers in August, the organisations argued that tougher sanctions or cuts for disabled young people would push thousands into poverty.

The government has not yet issued a formal statement confirming or denying the specific removal of a benefit. It remains unclear which specific payment is targeted for the change.