Conservative Party proposes changes to universal credit for claimants
The Guardian · September 23, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
The Conservative Party has proposed a plan that would cut universal credit payments by one-third for claimants who have not paid enough national insurance. This plan includes implementing a dedicated debit card system to restrict certain purchases, similar to a previous program piloted in Australia that was discontinued after showing limited effectiveness.
Why it matters
These proposed changes could significantly impact families relying on universal credit amid ongoing economic challenges.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you rely on universal credit for your family's income?
These proposed cuts could reduce your financial support by a third, making it even harder to cover essential living costs amid rising prices. Families already facing economic challenges may find themselves pushed further into poverty as a result.
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