Minister Andy Burnham is prepared to back tougher welfare rules for young people as Labour looks to rein in the soaring benefits bill and drive more people into work, according to close ally Lord Blunkett.

The intervention comes ahead of a major review into youth unemployment expected to recommend sweeping changes to support for 16 to 24-year-olds, including stricter work-related conditions and possible limits on benefit entitlement.

Lord Blunkett

Pressure builds for reform

Lord Blunkett, a former Cabinet minister and one of Burnham's long-time political allies, said the Prime Minister is "wholeheartedly" behind proposals being developed by former minister Alan Milburn.

He argued that Britain can no longer sustain a welfare bill that continues to climb, pointing to forecasts showing spending could rise from £333bn today to around £400bn by the end of the decade.

Blunkett suggested future reforms should focus less on cash payments and more on helping young people into work through training, education and improved mental health support.

No appetite for 'crude cuts' – but hard choices ahead

Burnham has previously insisted he wants to reduce welfare spending by reforming education and employment support rather than imposing blanket cuts.

However, Blunkett indicated that difficult decisions over eligibility are unavoidable. He questioned whether some claimants would benefit more from healthcare, practical assistance or employment support than direct financial payments, arguing Labour must become "the Labour Party, not the welfare party."

He also backed stronger conditionality, saying claimants should engage with training or employment support in return for receiving benefits.

McFadden's survival sends clear signal

Blunkett said Burnham's decision to retain Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden following his Cabinet reshuffle demonstrated the government's commitment to welfare reform despite McFadden's close ties to former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

McFadden has already hinted that Milburn's review could recommend restricting benefit access for some younger claimants or attaching new work-related conditions to payments.

The review's final recommendations are expected in the autumn.

Campaigners warn of unintended consequences

Mental health charity Mind has urged ministers to proceed cautiously, warning that tighter benefit conditions could discourage vulnerable people from seeking work rather than helping them into employment.

The charity welcomed proposals to improve employment and health support but rejected suggestions that reducing financial support alone would encourage more people into jobs.

The Department for Work and Pensions said tackling youth unemployment remains a central government priority, highlighting a £2.5bn programme aimed at creating 500,000 opportunities for young people to train, earn and enter the workforce.

Blunkett: Burnham is prepared to limit benefits for young people

Lord Blunkett looks like a cariciature of a council estate benefits slob.

9 minutes ago, Patong2021 said:

Lord Blunkett looks like a cariciature of a council estate benefits slob.

Blind from birth, it's extraordinary what he's achieved in life, especially as his family were left in dire poverty when his father died in a works accident and the family was refused compensation for 2 years.