Bright Blue responds to the new green paper from the Department for Work and Pensions, Pathways to work: reforming benefits and support to get Britain working.
Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair at Bright Blue, commented:
“The Labour Government has made a strong start in reforming welfare, working towards a system which better recognises contribution and better uses conditionality – a system that gives people the financial support they deserve, and the practical support they need.
“It has become fashionable to advocate for more people to receive benefits that are universal and unconditional. This is the total opposite of what is affordable and necessary. We need a system with fewer claimants, who receive more initially but with stronger conditions. A system that just gives money to people and leaves them to it is cruel.”
The Government has adopted three Bright Blue policies in its Pathways to work green paper:
- A new, time-limited unemployment supplement for those with longer work histories, replacing contribution-based JSA and ESA.
- A higher Universal Credit standard allowance combined with conditionality.
- Ensuring all Universal Credit claimants have suitable support and conditions to prepare, plan or search for work.
Notes to editors:
To arrange an interview with a Bright Blue spokesperson or for further media enquiries, please contact Ryan Shorthouse at ryan@brightblue.org.uk or on 07754 672233.
- Bright Blue is the independent think tank and pressure group for defending and improving liberal society.
- Bright Blue’s Board includes Diane Banks, Philip Clarke, Alexandra Jezeph, Richard Mabey and Ryan Shorthouse.
Our advisory council can be found here. Members of our advisory council do not necessarily endorse all our policy recommendations.
[Image: Cottonbro Studio]
