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Thousands could be caught by major DWP Universal Credit benefit shake-up

More than 40 organizations including Action for Children, Shelter, Trussell Trust, Scope, Save the Children and Barnardo's urged Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden and welfare adviser Alan Milburn to abandon what they called "punitive" plans delaying Universal Credit health support until age 22.
The proposal, first advanced under the previous government, would restrict support for claimants under 22 facing severe and complex needs, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham ruled out "crude cuts" but said the Government must "get really serious" about reducing the welfare bill.
By March, 184,000 people aged 16 to 24 were receiving Universal Credit health support, with research by disability charity Scope estimating 94% of affected households would face poverty if removed, 49% already in poverty, and 45% more potentially pushed below the poverty line.
Lucy Schonegevel from Action for Children said evidence points to "earlier intervention, tailored support and genuinely meaningful job and volunteering opportunities, not sanctions or cuts," while the Government pressed ahead with a £2.5 billion youth employment support package.
Alan Milburn will deliver a final report this autumn examining barriers preventing young people from entering work, as Reform UK Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick proposed welfare changes claiming they could cut £50 billion from the benefits bill.

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