DWP told to restrict PIP and Universal Credit for 1 age group under Andy Burnham

Andy Burnham has hinted at Department for Work and Pensions cuts for one group of claimants as he grapples with the soaring benefits bill. As Mr Burnham marks his second week in charge, the government is widely thought to be targeting welfare changes for young claimants.

The welfare changes would affect people aged 20 to 29. The former Greater Manchester Mayor has hinted the government is considering greater conditionality to restrict benefits for people who do not take up work opportunities when offered. This is a key condition of Universal Credit but not for claimants who claim the benefit on health grounds. Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, can be claimed in or out of work too.

Reports suggest the government could revisit proposals made by Labour last year to restrict the amount of UC health element claimants under 22 can claim. The potential restrictions form part of a broader government effort to address welfare spending.

Conservative MP Helen Whately responded to the announcements: "Letting the welfare bill run wild isn't compassionate. It puts at risk support for those who truly need it." She said the Conservatives are "building a new sickness benefits system that's fair to claimants and fair to taxpayers."

Whately told Mr Burnham: "A year ago we said we'd support Labour if they had the courage to properly reform sickness benefits. And I told them to stop giving out benefits for mild mental health conditions and ADHD - work is better. The offer still stands. Will Andy Burnham take us up on it?"

The restrictions on PIP and Universal Credit form part of the government's wider strategy to reduce welfare dependency among younger age groups and encourage work and training opportunities for claimants capable of employment.