Budget 2026: John Healey expected to hand ‘billions’ to benefits claimants in Budget

Welfare spending is on track to soar to around £160billion this year alone.

A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions has previously said: “We want to build a welfare system that incentivises work and supports those who need it most, but the system we inherited denied people the support and opportunities they need to move into work.

“We are already changing the system through the Youth Guarantee, narrowing the gap between Universal Credit standard and health rates, restoring face-to-face assessments, and investing a record £3.5billion in employment support for disabled people and those with long-term conditions.

“The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions is required by law to undertake an annual review of the State Pension and working-age benefits, and final figures will be confirmed once this is finished.”