MARK Jenkinson says that a planned Government shake-up of the welfare system will deliver £12bn worth of savings, helping even more people into work across Penrith and Solway.
Since the pandemic, the number of people inactive for health reasons has increased by 40 percent from 2 million to 2.8 million, and the number of working age people claiming benefits is projected to grow at an unsustainable rate.
People are now three times more likely to be assessed as not fit for any work than they were a decade ago, suggesting the system is not functioning as designed and needs updating.
Over half of those being signed off have a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression.
Meanwhile, spending on benefits for people of working age with a disability or health condition is projected to increase from £69 billion to £90 billion by the end of the Parliament.
The Conservatives will reform the welfare system to make it fairer and more sustainable. The Conservatives will bring the numbers of working age people claiming benefits for a health condition or disability under control and take action across the welfare system to make sure that being on benefits is a safety net, not a lifestyle choice.
Mark, the Conservative candidate for Penrith and Solway, said: “The Conservatives have already taken bold action to reform our welfare system but we must go further to better support claimants across Penrith and Solway whilst being fair to the taxpayer.
“The plan will dramatically expand mental health support and deliver on our fraud clampdown measures that are forecast to save £7.7 billion, saving taxpayers money and improving support for those in need at the same time.”
“I want everyone to be able to overcome whatever obstacles they might face to living independent, fulfilling lives.
“Work brings a sense of identity, purpose, self-respect, and belonging. Everyone should have the right to contribute and fulfil their potential.”
Meanwhile, analysis of Labour’s spending plans shows a black hole of £38.5 billion – the equivalent of £2,094 in taxes on working families.
Using both official HM Treasury Costings, HMG figures and Labour’s own numbers, and a publicly quoted investment bank; analysis shows that Labour have a £38.5 billion blackhole over the next four years equivalent to £2,094 in extra taxes for working families.
