UK government today announced reforms to the welfare system aimed at encouraging work among people on Universal Credit and saving an estimated £1 billion in taxpayer money. The changes lower the Universal Credit health element rate for new claimants to £217.26 a month from £429.80, while maintaining the higher rate for those with severe, lifelong conditions or already receiving the top‑up. All affected claimants will be offered voluntary employment support, with more than 65,000 people with limited capability for work already taking up the offer. The reforms also raise the standard Universal Credit allowance above inflation, giving almost four million households an extra £295 in cash this year. The Department for Work and Pensions will roll out the new support through Pathways to Work advisers and programmes such as Connect to Work and WorkWell.
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