A new report from the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has revealed significant public support for immediate welfare reforms, fueled by concerns over benefit claims. The study found that one in three people in the UK know someone who is improperly receiving benefits.

Growing Pressure for Reform

Keir Starmer is facing increasing pressure to address the nation’s welfare system. The TBI report highlights widespread public skepticism regarding the current ease of accessing benefits, deeming the system both unaffordable and unsustainable.

'Emergency Handbrake' Proposed

The report proposes an “emergency handbrake” on new claims for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress, pending broader systemic reforms. This measure aims to address the rapid increase in sickness benefits seen in recent years.

Public Opinion and Key Findings

A major survey accompanying the report showed that 54% of the public believe it is too easy to obtain benefits, while only 16% believe it is too difficult. Nearly 30% of respondents admitted to knowing someone receiving benefits without genuine need.

Over half (53%) of those surveyed believe the welfare system discourages young people with mental health issues from remaining in work or education. The TBI analysis identified only five constituencies where voters believe benefits are too difficult to obtain.

International Comparison

The report highlights a significant divergence in benefit claim trends between the UK and other nations. Since 2019, UK spending on sickness benefits has increased by 19.6%, while France saw a 5.9% increase. Australia and the US experienced declines of 9.9% and 15% respectively.

Proposed Measures and Potential Savings

Researchers suggest halting new sickness claims for conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, and ADHD unless claimants can demonstrate their condition prevents them from working. They advocate for stronger job support programs and believe employment can aid in managing mild mental health issues.

The report also calls for a return to in-person assessments, replacing online claims to reduce potential fraud. Reducing incapacity benefit claims to pre-pandemic levels could save an estimated £11.5 billion, with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) bill currently £19 billion higher than in 2019.

TBI's Perspective

Ryan Wain of the TBI emphasized the need to stop benefits for conditions that do not limit an individual’s ability to work, stating it would free up resources for better mental health support and encourage employment. He described the proposed “handbrake” as crucial for restoring public trust.

Political Context

Last year, Keir Starmer abandoned plans to cut £5 billion from the welfare budget due to internal Labour opposition. However, the new report suggests the “emergency handbrake” could be implemented through secondary legislation, avoiding a potentially contentious parliamentary vote.

The poll revealed that only five constituencies – including Hackney South and Shoreditch, Peckham, Brighton Pavilion, and Bristol Central – had more residents believing the system is too strict. 78% of respondents support benefits for serious conditions like heart disease, but support drops to 35% for anxiety and depression, and 31% for stress.