Exclusive: Plans to replace key disability benefits for young people with work and training could affect adults
Downing Street is considering whether plans to replace key disability benefits for the under-25s with work and training should be expanded to older age groups, the Guardian has learned, in a move that risks reigniting Labour tensions over welfare changes.
The prime minister and other cabinet ministers are looking at applying the idea of “participation first” to all working ages, meaning spending billions more on support to enter the workplace while cutting or removing some disability benefits.
The move would be a risky political one given the difficulties that Keir Starmer faced with getting changes to health and disability benefits past the Labour parliamentary party last year, with a rebellion leading to a major U-turn.
The discussion on changing disability benefits for over-25s comes as the government prepares to accept recommendations from its adviser, Alan Milburn, next week on overhauling the system for young people.
In his report, Milburn will propose that under-25s should get training and support instead of the universal credit health element. Under the plans, young people with disabilities will also lose their personal independence payment (Pip) but will be able to apply to a local fund for specific short-term expenses and equipment – rather than an ongoing payment.
