Stories

Wed, 23 Sep 2026

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 Tories would prevent long-term jobless spending benefits on alcohol and cigarettes

The proposals would also see benefits cut for people who are able to work but have failed to hold down a job.
The Tories estimate the changes would move around 350,000 claimants onto the lower rate of Universal Credit, saving around £538m a year. Claimants who have previously worked and contributed enough to the system would be exempt from the reduced rate, with those who are sick, disabled or already in work also unaffected. However, Labour has branded the scheme "unworkable", while anti-poverty charity Trussell said the proposals were "deeply misguided" and would worsen hardship for people struggling to afford essentials.