Get Britain working again - welfare as a last resort

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For years, Britain’s welfare system has been a crutch for too many, rather than a safety net for the truly vulnerable. Successive governments have allowed dependency to spiral out of control, trapping millions in a cycle of state handouts instead of rewarding hard work. The result? A bloated benefits system that disincentivises employment and drains resources from those who genuinely need support. The Reform Party has a bold plan to overhaul this broken system and put Britain back to work.

Making Work Pay

One of the fundamental problems with the current welfare model is that it does not sufficiently incentivise people to leave benefits and enter the workforce. Reform UK proposes a significant tax reform: raising the Income Tax starting threshold to £20,000 per year. This would put an extra £1,500 in the pockets of workers and take seven million people out of income tax entirely. With work being more rewarding, fewer people would see benefits as a preferable option.

Ending the Benefits Trap

Too many individuals remain on benefits for years, despite being able to work. Reform UK would introduce a strict two-strike rule for job seekers. Those who are fit to work must find employment within four months or accept one of two suitable job offers. If they refuse both, their benefits will be withdrawn. This policy ensures that support remains for those who need it but eliminates the culture of choosing welfare over work.

Cracking Down on Fraud and Inefficiency

Billions of pounds are lost annually due to fraudulent claims and inefficient administration. Reform UK would enforce face-to-face, independent medical assessments for all Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Work Capability claims to prevent false claims from slipping through the net. A more rigorous review system will ensure that only those genuinely unable to work receive long-term support.

Stopping Immediate Access to Benefits for Migrants

The UK’s welfare system should serve British citizens first. Reform UK would implement a mandatory five-year residency and employment requirement before any individual could claim benefits. This policy would prevent immediate access to welfare for those who have not contributed to the system, ensuring that resources are reserved for British workers and taxpayers.

Economic Growth Through Employment

By encouraging work over welfare, the UK’s workforce would expand, productivity would rise, and the economy would benefit. More people in employment means increased tax revenues, which can be reinvested into vital services such as the NHS, education, and policing. Reform UK’s approach would not only reduce welfare spending but also stimulate economic growth by creating a more dynamic and self-sufficient workforce.

The Path Forward

For too long, Britain’s welfare system has been used as a political tool rather than a means to support those in genuine need. Reform UK’s welfare policies offer a sustainable, common-sense approach: support for the truly vulnerable, encouragement for those who can work, and an end to benefit dependency.

As the Government scrambles to patch up yet another budgetary shortfall, remember that there is a real alternative. Reform UK is ready to make work pay, cut waste, and ensure that Britain’s welfare system is fair, efficient, and sustainable for generations to come.

It is time for real reform. It is time for Britain to work again.