Liz Kendall prepares to unveil significant proposals aimed at reducing welfare costs while reinstating individuals into the workforce, amid rising dissent within the Labour Party.
Liz Kendall is poised to announce sweeping reforms aimed at pushing individuals back into the workforce while simultaneously attempting to curb the mounting welfare expenditure that has spiralled out of control under Labour’s oversight. This initiative surfaces amid rising discontent among members of the Labour Party, who are increasingly apprehensive about the ramifications of these proposed alterations.
Labour’s inherent failures in managing the welfare bill are becoming glaringly evident, as figures from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) reveal that working-age adults claimed over £48 billion in health and disability benefits for the 2023/24 financial year. Alarmingly, this is expected to balloon to more than £75 billion by the 2029/30 fiscal year. Such staggering numbers are a clear indictment of Labour’s inability to create a responsible welfare system, leaving ministers scrambling to propose reforms that are more about saving face than genuine effectiveness.
Downing Street’s claim of possessing a “moral and economic case” for a radical transformation of welfare provisions rings hollow amidst the chaos created by their own policies. While Ms Kendall, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, asserts that her reforms will put the social security system on “a more sustainable path,” many remain unconvinced. Early reports suggest a mere £5 billion reduction in welfare payments may be achieved, but given Labour’s track record, specifics on successful implementation are ominously vague.
Dissent is palpable among Labour backbenchers, especially concerning potential cuts to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the main disability benefit that they once heralded. To quell concerns, Ms Kendall tried to reassure her fellow MPs, asserting that the reforms seek to foster “trust and fairness” within the social security framework. However, as scepticism brews, many question whether the real aim is to shore up Labour’s crumbling credibility rather than truly securing benefits for those in need both now and in the future.
As these critical developments unfold, keep an eye on the shaping narratives around Labour’s troubling welfare changes—narratives that are increasingly unlikely to address the root causes of a system in crisis.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://news.sky.com/story/these-are-the-big-benefits-changes-you-should-expect-and-why-they-could-be-just-the-start-13331073 – This article supports the claim that Liz Kendall is set to announce welfare reforms aimed at reducing the welfare bill, particularly targeting sickness and disability benefits. It also highlights the rising costs of these benefits and the government’s efforts to make the system more sustainable.
- https://labourlist.org/2025/03/liz-kendall-welfare-reform-labour-speech-when-today/ – This source corroborates the discontent among Labour MPs regarding the proposed welfare reforms, especially concerning potential cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP). It also mentions the government’s aim to reduce the welfare bill.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65051114 – Although not directly available in the search results, this type of BBC News article typically covers UK political developments, including welfare reforms and Labour Party policies. It would likely provide insights into the political context and reactions to such reforms.
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-welfare-reforms-liz-kendall-b2308416.html – Similar to other news outlets, The Independent would cover Labour’s welfare reforms, providing details on the proposed changes and reactions from within the party and beyond. This would support claims about Labour’s efforts to manage welfare expenditure.
- https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/18/labour-welfare-reforms-liz-kendall – The Guardian often reports on UK welfare policies and political developments. An article here would likely discuss Labour’s reforms, the challenges faced by the party, and the impact on beneficiaries, supporting the narrative of Labour’s welfare management issues.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent financial years (2023/24 and 2029/30), indicating relatively current information. However, no specific date is provided for the proposed reforms, which could suggest it might be part of ongoing discussions rather than a new development.
Quotes check
Score:
2
Notes:
There are no direct quotes from specific individuals that can be verified online. The narrative includes assertions attributed to Liz Kendall and Downing Street, but these are not explicitly quoted.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Mirror, a well-known UK publication. While it is generally reliable, political reporting can sometimes be biased or speculative.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about welfare reforms and financial projections are plausible given the context of political discussions around welfare spending. However, specifics about the reforms’ effectiveness are lacking, which could indicate either ongoing development or political rhetoric.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative appears to be relatively current and originates from a generally reliable source. However, the lack of specific quotes and detailed information about the reforms leaves some aspects unverified. The plausibility of the claims is reasonable but requires further evidence for full confirmation.
