For Britain This is Radical, Even For the Conservative Party

9/23/26 Daily Mail:

Kemi Badenoch on Wednesday night launched plans for a tough crackdown on Britain's ballooning benefits bill.

The jobless who have paid little in taxes will see their handouts docked and be banned from spending them on vices such as drinking, smoking or gambling if the Tories return to power.

Under the proposals, targeting those who can work but choose not to, the long-term unemployed who have not contributed enough to the system would see their Universal Credit payments cut by 30 per cent.

And instead of receiving the reduced welfare support in cash, claimants would be given money on a 'Back To Work' card that could not be used to buy alcohol or cigarettes, withdraw cash or gamble. 

More than 300,000 people would be moved on to the lower 'Subsistence Allowance', saving taxpayers half a billion pounds a year by the end of the decade, it is claimed. 

On Wednesday night, Mrs Badenoch said: 'If you can work, you should work. Helping people into work is not punishment.

'The best welfare is a well-paid job. So, we will be tough on those who exploit the system because the current system is unfair to workers, taxpayers and those who truly need support.

'Welfare must be a safety net for those who genuinely need it, not a lifestyle choice for those who can't be bothered.'