Downing Street officials are expressing frustration over the time it is taking Welfare Secretary Liz Kendall to implement "radical" benefit cuts.
Slow Progress on Promised Reforms
In October, Liz Kendall pledged to make significant changes that would reduce the department's disability and sickness bill by £3 billion before the next election. However, sources reveal that both No10 and the Treasury are impatient with the delay.
The anticipated blueprint outlining the reforms, known as the Green Paper, is not expected to be released until March. Following this, consultations will be necessary, potentially extending the timeline to over a year before the anticipated overhaul.
Government Push for Swifter Action
A senior Whitehall source expressed concerns, stating, "No10 and No11 want her to go faster. They are pulling their hair out." Another insider emphasized the urgency of welfare cuts, advocating for a quicker pace.
Despite these concerns, the Government aims to address the welfare system's challenges promptly and implement reforms that prioritize employment and enhance living standards.
Crackdown on Benefit Fraud
As part of cost-saving measures, Liz Kendall is targeting benefit cheats to save £1.5 billion over the next five years. New laws are being considered to seize funds directly from fraudsters' accounts, eliminating the need for prolonged court battles to recover misappropriated funds.
Addressing the issue, Ms. Kendall affirmed, "People attempting to defraud the system should be aware that our enhanced powers will enable us to detect and hold them accountable."
Ongoing Challenges with Welfare Costs
Welfare fraud and errors currently amount to £10 billion annually, with £35 billion in public funds incorrectly distributed since the onset of the pandemic. Efforts to combat these challenges remain a top priority for the government.
