Andy Burnham has signalled that he wants to find a “fair and sustainable” approach to reducing welfare spending, but his early comments have left questions about how future Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) policies could change.
After taking over from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday, Burnham said his priority would be reducing the welfare bill while supporting more people into employment. However, he has not yet provided details on whether he would change the government’s existing disability benefit reforms, including plans affecting Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
His comments suggest a focus on employment support, education reform and improved mental health services as part of a wider strategy to reduce long-term benefit spending.
Policy
Burnham has suggested that lowering social security costs could be achieved by helping more young people enter work.
He said this would involve changes to the education system and providing greater support, including additional mental health assistance.
The approach appears aligned with current government thinking, which places greater emphasis on helping disabled people, particularly younger disabled people, access employment opportunities.
A major review by Alan Milburn into young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) is expected later this year. The report focuses heavily on young disabled people and the barriers they face.
Employment
Burnham has previously argued that mental health support should be available as part of workplace support for young people.
During a speech in Manchester, he said that where young people need mental health assistance, it should be provided as part of in-work support. However, he has not explained in detail how this system would operate.
Supporters of the approach say better employment services and early intervention could help people build independence. Critics argue that employment should not become the only measure of successful disability policy.
Concerns
Disability campaigners have raised questions about how any welfare reforms would protect people who are unable to work.
Some groups have highlighted concerns linked to previous welfare reforms and the impact they had on vulnerable benefit claimants.
Campaigners have argued that any changes to disability benefits should include stronger safeguards, independent oversight and a focus on individual circumstances.
Burnham has previously acknowledged concerns about the relationship between DWP decisions and claimant wellbeing, including discussions with disability activists about reports examining deaths linked to benefit administration.
Housing
Burnham has also connected welfare spending reductions with housing policy.
He said increasing the supply of council homes could reduce the amount spent on housing-related benefits by making affordable housing more available.
However, disability organisations have questioned whether new housing commitments will include enough accessible homes.
Dennis Queen, chair of the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, said expectations should be realistic because Burnham’s role as prime minister differs from his previous position as Greater Manchester mayor.
She welcomed his previous engagement with disabled communities but raised concerns that commitments referred to council housing generally rather than specifically accessible housing.
Support
Disability organisations have called for a broader approach to welfare reform that focuses on support rather than simply reducing spending.
Kieran Lewis from the National Survivor User Network welcomed greater investment in mental health support but warned that services should not be viewed only as a pathway into employment.
He said mental health policy should also address wider social issues and ensure that the social security system continues to provide a reliable safety net.
The organisation argued that people need access to appropriate support whether they are working, studying, caring for others or unable to work.
Education
Education reform is another area where Burnham has suggested change may be needed.
Beth Light from the Alliance for Inclusive Education welcomed his focus on improving education but said reforms must address barriers faced by disabled children and young people.
The organisation called for greater involvement from disabled people, families and disability groups when designing education policies.
It also raised concerns about current special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms, arguing that future changes should promote inclusion rather than increase separation between disabled and non-disabled students.
Disability
Disability groups have also called for changes to the way employment support programmes operate.
Tressa Burke, chief executive of Glasgow Disability Alliance, urged Burnham to reconsider previous reductions affecting Access to Work, a programme that helps disabled people remain in employment.
She said support programmes should be maintained and expanded where necessary to help disabled people who want to work.
She also stressed that not everyone can enter employment and that disabled people who cannot work need access to adequate benefits and support.
Future
So far, Burnham has not announced major changes to existing DWP policies.
His comments indicate a possible focus on employment, education reform, mental health services and housing as ways to manage welfare spending.
However, disability organisations say the success of any reforms will depend on whether they protect people who need financial support and whether disabled people are involved in shaping future policies.
The debate over welfare reform is likely to continue as the government develops its approach to reducing spending while maintaining support for vulnerable groups. Burnham’s future decisions on disability benefits, employment programmes and social security will determine whether his proposed approach represents a significant policy shift or a continuation of existing plans.
FAQs
What did Andy Burnham promise?
A fair and sustainable way to reduce welfare spending.
Will DWP benefit rules change?
No major changes have been announced yet.
What is Burnham focusing on?
Employment, education and mental health support.
What is Access to Work?
A programme supporting disabled people in jobs.
