Millions of Brits could have benefits CUT as Wes Streeting hints at Autumn Statement changes to fill £22b black hole
WES Streeting has hinted at future cuts to working age benefits and tax rises as the government looks to plug a £22 billion black hole.
The Health Secretary says there are "choices" to be made at the Budget which could extend beyond just axing the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.
The warning sign comes after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already warned of difficult decisions around welfare spending and public services.
The Cabinet Minister said: "I can understand why there will be some pensioners sat there thinking, ‘Well, why us? And what about others?’"
Speaking to the New Statesman, he added: "Well, there are other choices to come and these aren't just Rachel’s choices to face up to, these are the choices of the whole government."
He also addressed concerns from party figures complaining about the doom and gloom messaging ahead of the Budget on October 30.
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Mr Streeting said: "I think people mistake honesty for gloominess.
"It would be quite jarring if we were all skipping around Whitehall singing Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come or D:Ream’s Things Can Only Better at the same as we’re dealing with a £22 billion black hole.
"And making some tough choices which are really sticking in the throats of people, particularly on the winter fuel allowance."
Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake today said: "Cuts to benefits for pensioners and tax increases for the rest of us. Not sure that this was the change people were hoping for."
Mr Streeting hit back, saying: "We are cleaning up the mess your Party left.
"Like the cleaners coming in to remove the vomit and wine stains (and goodness knows what else) did in Number 10 after lockdown parties.
"At least the drunks didn't have the temerity to complain about them as they did it."
WORKING AGE BENEFITS
WORKING age benefits provide financial supports to individuals and families who are of working age (typically 16 to state pension age) to help with living costs, housing, and specific needs related to health and childcare.
There are a number of different types including Universal Credit, which consolidates several older benefits into a single monthly payment.
Jobseeker's allowance (JSA) offers temporary support for those actively seeking work.
Employment and support allowance (ESA) is given to individuals unable to work due to illness or disability.
Personal independence payments (PIP) provides extra cash support for those with long-term health conditions.
Housing benefit offers rental assistance too.
It comes after the Chancellor told The Sun in August that she wants to get more jobless Brits back into work as the £306 billion welfare bill is "out of control".
She has vowed to crackdown on benefits spending as the workless crisis puts the brakes on a booming economy.
There are currently 9.4 million economically inactive Brits with 2.8 million who are long-term sick.