Tories plan universal credit cuts
The gist
The Conservatives proposed cutting Universal Credit's standard allowance by 30% for claimants who have not worked.
About 350,000 people would move to a lower rate, saving £538m a year.
How it unfolded
- Sep 23, 2026The Conservatives proposed cutting the Universal Credit standard allowance — currently up to £424.90 — by 30% for those who have not worked enough, with the reduced rate paid onto a "Back to Work" card.
- Sep 23, 2026The party estimated about 350,000 claimants would move to the lower rate, saving around £538m a year; those sick, disabled or already in work would be exempt.
- Sep 24, 2026Kemi Badenoch was condemned over the "unworkable" plan; Trussell warned the cuts would deepen hardship, and Labour called the card scheme unworkable.