Review into Sickness Benefits

Prime Minister wants a review into welfare

The Prime Minister has commissioned an investigation into people claiming benefits with drug and alcohol problems or suffering from obesity. 

Dame Carol Black will look at how best to support people with treatable conditions to get them back into work. 

It is estimated that 80% of drug users and 25% of dependent drinkers are on benefits but there is currently no requirement for them to undertake treatment. 

David Cameron, said:

“Our One Nation approach is about giving everyone the opportunity to improve their lives and for some that means dealing with those underlying health issues first and foremost.

“Whether it is drug or alcohol problems, or preventable conditions in terms of obesity, support and treatment will be there for you.

“And we must look at what we do when people simply say no thanks and refuse that help but expect taxpayers to carry on funding their benefits."

“Over the next five years I want to see many more people coming off of sick benefit and into work and Carol Black will report back to me on how best to achieve that.”

The Taxpayers Alliance welcomed this news, Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive, said:

"It is paths to treatment - and personal responsibility - that will get people off the benefit rolls and into work, and the Government is right to launch this review. We must provide a sturdy safety net for the most vulnerable, but taxpayers can't continue to fund benefits for people who show no inclination or effort to get back into employment. Access to treatment and benefits do not have to be mutually exclusive, but the authorities must do everything they can to get people into paid, long-term, sustainable employment."