The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) faces increasing pressure to reduce benefits for migrant claimants as the welfare bill continues to soar. A recent poll by Charlesbye and Merlin Strategy reveals that 62 percent of voters support cutting benefits for migrants to alleviate the growing financial burden.
The survey also highlights public opinion on other demographic groups, with 38 percent of respondents favoring cuts for unemployed young people, and 18 percent advocating savings on benefits for those with mental health conditions. Overall, 30 percent back an across-the-board reduction in welfare payments.
Notably, the poll found that 14 percent of voters who have switched political allegiances in recent years would return to traditional parties such as Labour or the Conservatives.
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Statistics show the number of foreign nationals receiving benefits has risen to nearly 1.3 million, marking a 6.7 percent increase over the past year.
Public sentiment is pessimistic: 66 percent believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while only 21 percent think it is on the right path.
Lee Cain, founding partner at Charlesbye, emphasized the frustration with established political parties. “Voters have demanded change for over a decade, yet Westminster’s traditional parties remain unable or unwilling to respond,” he said. “This is not a temporary shift; it signals a permanent move away from the two main parties. If new political groups fail to deliver, these voters will continue searching for alternatives.”
In response, the Labour Party defended current policies, stating, “This government inherited a broken social security system with rapidly escalating costs and millions out of work.”
Former DWP head and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall added, “Our social security system stands at a crossroads. Reform is essential to ensure it supports those who need it while encouraging those able to work to do so. This legislation introduces a new social contract focused on compassion, opportunity, and dignity, paving the way for a sustainable welfare system and economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
The poll surveyed 4,209 adults nationwide between April 2 and April 16, 2026, reflecting widespread public concern over the future of welfare policy.