Chancellor John Healey promises lower UK welfare bill before next election

UK Chancellor John Healey pledged to secure a reduction in the benefits bill before the next general election, the BBC reported on 29 October 2026. His comments followed criticism from political opponents over a lack of welfare reform details in his first Budget. [1]

The chancellor told the BBC that having an expanding benefits bill is simply not good for Britain or progressive, calling the current system unsustainable. He ruled out crude cuts to spending, but noted that further details regarding his approach will not arrive until two major reviews are published next month. [1]

Opposition parties strongly criticised the government plans, according to the BBC. The Conservatives accused Labour of being addicted to welfare, while Reform UK stated that the Budget failed to address the expanding benefits bill. Welfare spending is currently forecast to rise by 19 billion pounds this year. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Chancellor John Healey previously announced plans to ask energy regulator Ofgem to remove standing charges on gas bills for 23 million homes starting in 2027 or soon after. [4]