Tories target universal credit claimants in plan condemned as ‘fast track to poverty’
Summary
The Conservative Party in the UK has proposed cutting universal credit payments by a third for people who have not paid enough national insurance contributions. The plan would also pay reduced benefits via a special debit card that blocks purchases of alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.Key Facts
- Universal credit payments would be full for six months, then reduced based on national insurance payment history.
- People with less work history would receive 70% of the standard benefit.
- Reduced payments would be loaded onto a "back to work card" that restricts spending on certain items.
- The plan excludes people already working and those with disabilities or health conditions that limit work.
- Housing and child-related payments under universal credit would not be affected.
- The Conservatives estimate 350,000 people in England, Scotland, and Wales would be affected, saving £538 million annually.
- Critics say cutting benefits will increase poverty and make it harder for people to find and keep jobs.
- Similar systems exist in Germany and the Netherlands, but those countries provide higher benefit amounts and additional support.
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