DWP warns brand-new benefits system under Labour will begin 'before March 26'

DWP warns brand-new benefits system under Labour will begin 'before March 26'
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Benefit recipients could face annual cuts of up to £5,000 and be required to look for work under sweeping welfare reforms to the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ). The overhaul is expected to be announced before March 26.

Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves will rollout the changes - which could affect hundreds of thousands of claimants. A Government source told The Times newspaper this weekend: "The Tories failed on welfare because they failed on work.

"This Labour Government recognises that many sick and disabled people want to work, given the right support, but are unfairly shut out. We will bring forward big reforms that help more people into work, protect the most vulnerable, and boost growth – while putting the benefits bill on a more sustainable footing."

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A DWP spokesman said: "The proposals we'll bring forward will ensure the health and disability benefit system is fit for purpose, fair on the taxpayer and delivers the right support to the right people." The spokesman added that they would "work closely with disabled people and their organisations and ensure their voices shape any proposals."

Speaking out this weekend in an update, Labour Party MP, Cabinet minister and DWP boss Liz Kendall added: "This is our inheritance from the Conservative government. And the Tories failed on welfare because they failed on work.

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We have got almost record numbers of people out of work due to long-term health problems. That’s terrible for them. It’s terrible for their living standards. It’s terrible for employers who want to recruit and it’s terrible for the public finances."

Ms Kendall went on, adding in a statement this weekend: "So we need big reforms in the way that we work to get more people into those jobs, which will help bring the benefits bill onto a more sustainable footing.”