Burnham withholds full backing for Milburn welfare proposals

Andy Burnham has declined to promise that the government will adopt in full Alan Milburn’s forthcoming recommendations on welfare support for young people, saying ministers will respond after the review is published. The proposals have prompted concern among Labour MPs, while some have said they are willing to consider the recommendations once they see the details.

Milburn’s review is expected to recommend that people under 25 lose access to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the health element of Universal Credit, and instead receive a youth allowance at the standard Universal Credit rate. The report had not been published as of Friday, November 13, and the government has not announced a final policy decision.

The reports ahead of publication have also described possible additional support for young people with disabilities, including help with disability-related costs and a higher-rate benefit for those unable to work because of more severe disabilities. The precise eligibility rules and whether existing claimants would be affected have not been settled publicly.

Burnham told reporters in Dublin that the review contained detailed recommendations and that he could not give...