Conservatives propose restricting long-term jobless benefits spending

Summarised from 7 outlets · 11 reports · Updated 24 Sept, 21:03 · Archive

The Conservative Party has proposed preventing long-term unemployed benefit claimants from spending welfare payments on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling.

The Conservative Party has unveiled proposals to restrict how long-term unemployed people can spend their welfare payments. Under the plans, benefits would be delivered via prepaid 'back-to-work cards' that would block spending on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling. The proposals would also cut Universal Credit payments by around 30 per cent for those who have not made consistent contributions to the welfare system. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has defended the policy as 'common sense' and 'tough love', arguing that welfare should function as a safety net rather than a long-term alternative to employment. However, Richard Tice of Reform UK criticised the plans as a 'sticking plaster' that does not address the root of the problem.

How it is being reported

• BBC's Nick Robinson scolded by shadow minister over benefits claimants' spending - 'It's TAXPAYER cash!'GB News · 24 Sept, 17:55
• 'It's not their money, it's taxpayer money!': Kemi Badenoch defends 'tough love' Tory plan to block welfare claimants from spending benefits cash on booze and fagsDaily Mail · 24 Sept, 10:36
• Kemi Badenoch doubles down on 'common sense' benefits crackdown in GB News grilling: 'It's taxpayer money!'GB News · 24 Sept, 10:24
• Kemi Badenoch's 'sticking plaster' welfare crackdown torn apart by Richard Tice: 'A drop in the ocean!'GB News · 24 Sept, 08:01
• Kemi Badenoch Slammed Over 'Unworkable' Bid To Slash Welfare BillHuffPost UK · 24 Sept, 06:24
• Long-term benefits claimants could be banned from buying alcohol and cigarettes under Tory plansSky News · 24 Sept, 02:27
• DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Preventing professional scroungers from spending their benefits on booze and cigarettes - why Kemi's welfare plans put Labour to shame...Daily Mail · 24 Sept, 00:59
• The Morning Poll: Should Universal Credit claimants be banned from spending the benefit on gambling, booze or cigarettes?Daily Mail · 24 Sept, 00:17
• Tory welfare crackdown would ban benefit spending on alcohol and cigarettesCity AM · 23 Sept, 22:30
• Tories would ban long-term benefit claimants from buying alcohol and cigarettesThe Independent · 23 Sept, 22:02
• Tories would prevent long-term jobless spending benefits on alcohol and cigarettesBBC News · 23 Sept, 22:01

In this story: Conservative Party · Kemi Badenoch · Richard Tice · Reform UK

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