Conservatives propose cutting universal credit payments for some claimants

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Sept, 11:26 · Archive

The Conservative Party proposes cutting universal credit payments by a third for claimants who have not paid enough national insurance.

The proposals would reduce payments for affected claimants to a 'subsistence allowance' paid into a restricted debit card that would prevent purchases of alcohol or tobacco, following an Australian model. Charities have criticised the plans, saying families are already struggling with the effects of austerity cuts and rising living costs.

How it is being reported

• Tories' plan to cut Universal Credit explained - from slashing payments to exemptionsUnder the Tory plans, Universal Credit payments would be cut for those who have not paid enough into the welfare system through taxesThe Mirror · 24 Sept, 11:08
• Tories target universal credit claimants in plan condemned as ‘fast track to poverty’Proposals aim to push people into work, but charities say families are still paying price of austerity cuts and rise in cost of living People claiming universal credit (UC) would have their payments cut by a third if they have not paid enough national insurance, under a Conservative plan condemned by one charity as “a fast track to increased poverty”. Under the proposals, those who receive this “subsistence allowance” would have it paid into a dedicated debit card that would prevent from them buying alcohol or tobacco, based on an Australian system that was scrapped after trials found…The Guardian · 23 Sept, 22:30

In this story: Conservative Party · Australia

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