Under-25s could be barred from claiming Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under new proposals reportedly being considered by Andy Burnham's government, with a new youth allowance paid at the standard rate of Universal Credit instead.
The reported move, first detailed by The Times, would prevent young people from receiving two of the most widely claimed benefits in the UK. The changes are expected to be announced next week as part of what has been described as a 'big rewriting of the welfare system'.
Review into youth unemployment
A review into young people and work, commissioned by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, is set to be published by former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn. The review, which focuses on youth unemployment, is due in a few weeks and will provide recommendations to the Government.
Mr Milburn warned that changes to the treatment of those Not in Education, Employment, or Training (Neets) will not be 'pain-free'. However, employment support is to receive more funding.
Warnings over financial support
Mr Milburn said: "I'm not saying that any of this will be easy or that it will be pain-free because it won't.
"You know, candidly, it could mean that some people will get less financial support at the beginning of their benefit claim than under the current system."
He added: "The menu of opportunities has got to increase. They'll have a personal adviser, they'll be coached all the way through. The adviser will stick with them until they have found a job or an apprenticeship or college place."
With Andy Burnham's government ramping up efforts to bring major welfare reforms in 2027, readers are being asked for their views in a poll.
