The Conservatives have faced criticism for proposing to cut benefits despite a rise in the welfare bill during their tenure. Sir Mel Stride, the former Work and Pensions Secretary under Rishi Sunak, is set to announce measures to reduce benefits for individuals with “low level” mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Additionally, plans include restricting welfare access for non-British citizens to achieve a £23 billion saving in the welfare budget.
A Labour insider pointed out that Sir Mel oversaw a significant increase in benefits spending during his time at the Department for Work and Pensions, despite his attempt to downplay this fact. He also intends to reinstate the controversial two-child benefit limit if Labour removes it in the upcoming Budget, a policy linked to pushing families into poverty.
In a cost-saving effort, Sir Mel plans to cut foreign aid by £7 billion and reduce civil service expenditure by £8 billion. Despite promises from Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt to decrease civil service numbers, there has been an increase from 384,000 in 2016 to 517,000 currently.
Furthermore, Sir Mel aims to decrease green spending, including subsidies for heat pumps and electric vehicles, after the Conservative Party pledged to abolish the Climate Change Act. He asserts at the Tory conference in Manchester that the Conservatives are the only party capable of managing the economy responsibly.
He emphasizes the Conservative Party’s commitment to transparency in fiscal commitments, ensuring clarity on funding sources. Stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility, Sir Mel emphasizes the need to control government spending and operate within financial means.
Critics, such as the Liberal Democrats and Labour Party, have condemned the Conservative Party’s proposed actions, citing concerns about the impact on vulnerable groups and the economy. Bond’s CEO expressed dismay over the decision to further reduce the UK aid budget, highlighting potential negative consequences on marginalized communities and the UK’s global standing.