Long-term benefits claimants could be banned from buying alcohol and cigarettes under Tory plans
The Conservatives are proposing that some long-term unemployed Universal Credit claimants could be prevented from spending their benefits on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or cash w
By Sky News
The Conservatives are proposing that some long-term unemployed Universal Credit claimants could be prevented from spending their benefits on alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or cash withdrawals. The plan would involve payments being loaded onto a “Back to Work” card, according to reports of the party’s policy launch.
Under the proposals, people who have not paid enough into the system and are judged capable of work would be moved onto a lower “subsistence” rate after six months on Universal Credit. That reduced payment would be set at 70% of the standard rate, while claimants who are already working, disabled or off sick would be exempt.
The policy was set out as part of a wider Conservatives’ welfare plan, which also links future access to the full Universal Credit rate to work and tax contributions. The reported aim is to encourage people back into work while restricting spending on items the party says should not be bought with welfare support.
There is no Cheshire-specific venue, council, police or local business involved in the story, so the article should stay at national policy level.