Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, is considering a policy that would introduce a “subsistence allowance” for unemployed individuals. This allowance would involve a special debit card, designed to prevent the purchase of alcohol or cigarettes.
The proposed universal credit cut is projected to save £538 million per year for taxpayers. This initiative is part of a broader package of welfare cuts, which the Conservatives estimate to be worth £23 billion.
Badenoch is also reported to have sought to bar benefits from young people directly out of school. Her second Conservative party conference as leader is scheduled to begin on Sunday.