A new report by the Tony Blair Institute reveals widespread public support for urgent welfare reforms, with one in three people knowing someone who wrongly claims benefits. The study calls for an 'emergency handbrake' on new claims for conditions like anxiety and depression, arguing that the current system is unsustainable and fuels public distrust. The findings show broad support for stricter eligibility criteria, with only five constituencies opposing tighter rules.
Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to implement urgent reforms to Britain’s welfare system, as a new report reveals that one in three people know someone who is wrongly claiming benefits.
The study, conducted by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), highlights widespread public concern that the current system is both unaffordable and unsustainable, with voters increasingly skeptical about the ease of accessing benefits. The report calls for an immediate 'emergency handbrake' on new claims for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress, while the government considers broader reforms.
A major survey accompanying the report shows that 54% of the public believe it is too easy to obtain benefits, compared to just 16% who think it is too difficult. Nearly a third of respondents (30%) admit to knowing someone who receives benefits without genuine need. Over half (53%) argue that the welfare system encourages young people with mental health issues to leave the workforce or education permanently.
The report identifies only five constituencies nationwide where voters believe benefits are too hard to obtain, underscoring the broad public support for stricter eligibility criteria. The TBI analysis also reveals a stark contrast in benefit claim trends between the UK and other countries. Since 2019, UK spending on sickness benefits has surged by 19.6%, while France saw a 5.9% increase, and Australia and the US experienced declines of 9.9% and 15%, respectively.
The report suggests that ministers could immediately halt new sickness claims—currently averaging 1,000 per day—by restricting benefits for conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, and ADHD unless claimants prove their condition prevents them from working. It argues that employment can help individuals manage mild mental health issues and advocates for stronger job support programs.
Additionally, the report calls for a return to in-person assessments, replacing online claims to curb potential fraud. Researchers estimate that reducing incapacity benefit claims to pre-pandemic levels could save £11.5 billion, with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) bill now £19 billion higher than in 2019. Ryan Wain of the TBI emphasizes the need to stop benefits for non-'work-limiting' conditions, stating that such a move would free up resources for better mental health support and keep people employed.
He adds that this 'handbrake' would be a crucial step in restoring public trust in the welfare system. Last year, Keir Starmer was forced to abandon plans to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget due to a significant Labour rebellion.
However, the new report suggests that an 'emergency handbrake' could be implemented through secondary legislation, avoiding a contentious parliamentary vote. Supporters of the proposal argue that the survey’s findings demonstrate broad public support for tightening the benefits system across most constituencies. The poll reveals that only five constituencies—including Hackney South and Shoreditch, Peckham, Brighton Pavilion, and Bristol Central—have more residents who believe the system is too strict rather than too lenient.
While 78% of respondents support benefits for serious conditions like heart disease, only 35% believe anxiety and depression should qualify, and just 31% support benefits for stress
Welfare Reform Keir Starmer Tony Blair Institute Benefits System Public Opinion
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