The Conservative Party is facing criticism for proposing changes to welfare benefits that are seen as reviving unsuccessful policies, despite a significant increase in the welfare bill during their administration. Former Work and Pensions Secretary, Sir Mel Stride, is planning to reduce disability benefits for individuals with “low level” mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Additionally, he aims to restrict welfare access for non-British citizens in order to cut £23 billion from the welfare budget.
A source from the Labour Party expressed disapproval, highlighting Sir Mel Stride’s oversight of a substantial rise in benefits spending while in the Department for Work and Pensions. The source criticized his lack of recognition for this fact. Sir Mel also intends to reinstate the controversial two-child benefit limit if it is removed by Labour in the upcoming Budget, a policy blamed for pushing families into poverty.
In a cost-saving initiative, Sir Mel plans to reduce foreign aid spending by £7 billion and save £8 billion by downsizing the civil service. Despite promises from previous leaders to reduce civil service numbers, the current count has increased to 517,000 from 384,000 in 2016.
Furthermore, Sir Mel will propose scaling back green investments, including subsidies for heat pumps and electric vehicles, after the party pledged to scrap the Climate Change Act. In a speech at the Tory conference in Manchester, he will assert that the Conservative Party is the only trustworthy entity on economic matters.
He is expected to emphasize the party’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, stating that they will never make financial commitments without outlining how they will be funded. The party’s stance is centered on living within means to achieve stability and avoiding excessive spending.
Various critics have voiced their opposition to the proposed changes. The Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson criticized the Conservative Party for neglecting the lessons from their economic mismanagement, leading to hardships for families and strained public services. The decision to reduce support, particularly for individuals with mental health conditions, and cut international aid was condemned as shortsighted and detrimental.
Moreover, concerns were raised about the impact of further reducing the UK aid budget on marginalized communities, women, and conflict-affected populations. The move was deemed reckless and morally unjustifiable, signaling a retreat from global responsibilities.
Overall, the proposed welfare and budget cuts by the Conservative Party have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from various quarters for their potential adverse effects on vulnerable groups and international relations.