Further benefit cuts not ruled out – as minister warns ‘we are spending more on cost of failure’

Welfare Reforms and the Future of the Welfare System: A Conversation with Liz Kendall

Introduction: Liz Kendall’s Stance on Welfare Reform

The UK government, under the leadership of Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall, has recently announced a series of welfare reforms aimed at reducing the welfare budget. Despite already unveiling changes designed to save £5 billion, Kendall has not ruled out the possibility of further cuts. In a recent interview with Sky News, Kendall emphasized the need to address a failing welfare system that she believes is letting down those who rely on it. The reforms include narrowing the eligibility criteria for disability benefits, with a focus on ensuring that support is targeted at those in greatest need. While some critics have dismissed the changes as insufficient, Kendall defended them as a substantial package of measures aimed at getting people into work and preventing the welfare bill from ballooning to a projected £76 billion by 2030.

The Changes to Welfare: A Focus on Employment and Need

At the heart of the reforms is a shift in how disability benefits are assessed and awarded. Kendall announced that from November 2026, claimants of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) will need to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living element of PIP. Currently, the standard rate is awarded to those who score between eight and 11 points overall, while the enhanced rate applies from 12 points. This change is intended to ensure that benefits are focused on those with the greatest needs. Kendall also emphasized that the government will not freeze PIP, a decision that follows a backlash from Labour MPs who had expressed concerns about the impact of such a move on vulnerable individuals.

Scrapping the ‘Can You Work’ Test: A New Approach to Employment Support

In addition to the changes to PIP, Kendall announced the scrapping of the controversial ‘can you work’ test. This test, which has been widely criticized for being ineffective and unfair, will be replaced with a more holistic approach to assessing eligibility for benefits. The new system will focus on providing tailored support to help individuals into work, rather than simply assessing their ability to work. Kendall described the current assessment process as "broken" and highlighted the need to fix "terrible financial incentives" that push people onto welfare. The reforms also include the largest-ever package of employment support, designed to help people move into work and reduce the long-term costs of welfare dependency.

A Broader Vision for Welfare Reform: Addressing the Broken System

Kendall’s vision for welfare reform goes beyond immediate cost-cutting measures. She has repeatedly emphasized the need to address the underlying issues within the welfare system, which she describes as "broken." In her interview with Sky News, she expressed her frustration with the current system, which she believes is failing the people who rely on it. Kendall shared stories from her own constituency, where she has seen individuals "written off to a life that is not the life they hoped for themselves, or their children or their families." She argued that the current system is unsustainable and that without reform, the welfare state will not be able to support those who need it most in the future.

Critics and Controversies: The Moral Debate Over Welfare Cuts

The announcement of the welfare reforms has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the government of making morally wrong decisions that will harm vulnerable individuals. Kendall has pushed back against these criticisms, arguing that what is morally wrong is a system that writes off people who could work. She believes that the current system is unsustainable and that the focus should be on helping people into work, rather than perpetuating a cycle of dependency. While some have dismissed the reforms as a "drop in the ocean," Kendall insists that they represent a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and effective welfare system.

The Future of Welfare: Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, the government faces significant challenges in implementing these reforms and achieving its goals. The projected rise in welfare spending to £76 billion by 2030 underscores the need for urgent action. Kendall has acknowledged that the reforms will not solve the problem overnight, but she is committed to continuing to work towards a welfare system that is both sustainable and compassionate. While the exact impact of the reforms remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the future of welfare in the UK is set to be a major topic of debate in the coming years. For now, Kendall remains focused on her goal of creating a system that works for everyone, ensuring that support is targeted at those who need it most while helping others into work and off welfare.