New data from the Department for Work and Pensions reveals that nearly one million young adults aged under 35 are currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) benefits, prompting renewed calls for a tougher approach to eligibility checks. As of July, 939,000 people aged between 16 and 35 in England and Wales were receiving PIP, contributing to the ongoing surge in welfare expenditure.
Helen Whately, the Conservative shadow work and pensions secretary, criticised the current benefits system for being “broken,” accusing the Labour government of refusing to implement necessary reforms. She urged the DWP to intensify scrutiny and tighten the criteria for PIP claims, a stance supported by Lee Anderson of Reform.
Responding to these concerns, a DWP spokesperson highlighted that the rise in PIP claims has decelerated under the present government, with the increase dropping from 400,000 claims in the 12 months to July 2024 to 260,000 in the 12 months to July 2026. The spokesperson also referenced the Timms Review, which recognised that PIP is “no longer fit for purpose,” and indicated that recommendations from the review’s final report would form the basis of long-term reforms.
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Meanwhile, the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has advocated for the introduction of a “WorkStart” programme. This initiative aims to create 350,000 part-time jobs lasting six months, specifically targeting 25-year-olds who have been unemployed for at least a year and are receiving Universal Credit. The think tank emphasised that such a programme would offer an essential first step into employment in areas with limited job opportunities.
Former work and pensions secretary Lord Blunkett warned of the long-term consequences of delayed employment for young people, including impacts on health, earnings, and life security.
A government representative reiterated the commitment to levelling opportunities regardless of background, noting that the upcoming Milburn Review would underpin further reforms to youth employment policies.