As Labour attempts to tighten Britain’s burgeoning welfare belt, Alicja Hagopian and David Maddox investigate the true cost of the welfare state
The UK's welfare bill has increased, with 23% of the working-age population receiving benefits. Labour plans to cut the welfare budget by £5 billion. Over one million disabled individuals may be affected by stricter rules. The UK spends 10.9% of its GDP on welfare, lower than Finland, Austria, and Italy, but slightly above the EU average for health and disability benefits. The UK's welfare expenditure for 2024/5 is £303.3 billion, representing 23.8% of the government's annual budget.
