Breaking Down the Latest Universal Credit Reforms

The Department for Work and Pensions Undergoes Transformation

The Department for Work and Pensions is set to undergo major new cuts and reforms as a result of the Labour Chancellor's Budget declaration today. Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement in the Commons on Wednesday (March 26). During her speech, the chancellor focused on welfare and the recent steps the government has taken to reform it.

Impact on Welfare and Universal Credit

Ms Reeves asserted that Labour is 'the party of work,' highlighting that 'if you can work, you should work, and if you can't, you should be properly supported.' She warned of the consequences of inaction by saying: 'If we do nothing, that means we are writing off an entire generation. That cannot be right. It is a waste of their potential and it is a waste of their futures.' Reeves brought attention to the independent Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) assessment that the cuts and changes to welfare initiated by the government will trim down the budget by £4.8bn in total - an amount exceeding last week’s announced reductions.