- The government's welfare reforms, including the Universal Credit Act, formally passed into law on Wednesday.
- A £338 million investment has been announced for the 'connect to work' programme, aiming to support 85,000 sick or disabled people into employment.
- This programme will offer localised, tailored support, including coaching and job matching, in 15 areas across England.
- The Universal Credit Act ensures the basic universal credit allowance will rise with inflation until 2029/30, but the health component for new claimants will be reduced from April 2026 and frozen until 2030, except for severe or terminal conditions.
- The government states these reforms are driven by a desire to help people move from benefit dependency into secure jobs, with an estimated 300,000 people benefiting across England and Wales over the next five years.
IN FULL
