Burnham faces possible Labour revolt over young people’s benefit cuts

Andy Burnham faces a possible Labour rebellion over proposed cuts to some young people’s benefits, but the revolt is expected to be smaller than last year’s row over welfare reforms, according to BBC political correspondent Iain Watson.

The immediate test is a review by former cabinet minister Alan Milburn, due next week. After a year examining how to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training, Milburn is expected to recommend cutting benefits for some 16- to 24-year-olds receiving personal independence payment (PIP) or the health-related element of Universal Credit.

Burnham has committed to reducing the welfare bill. But the proposals have not yet been published, and the BBC reports that some Labour MPs’ support will depend on the detail and on what help is in place before any entitlement is withdrawn.

A different approach, but reservations remain

The BBC’s Watson reports that the reforms are being framed differently from the previous government’s welfare changes: with upfront support for unemployed young people and net savings expected over about a decade, rather than as an immediate cost-cutting exercise. The proposed benefit cuts would be limited to under-25s, who account for about 11% of PIP claimants.

Some MPs who opposed last year’s reforms appear more open to the new review. Meg Hillier, who led the earlier rebellion, has said she wants to give Milburn’s proposals a “fair wind”, Watson reports. Ministers who had concerns about the previous package are also described as supportive, although one said backing would depend on the full package.

That does not mean the plans have secured Labour’s agreement. York MP Rachael Maskell told the BBC she needed to see the proposals in detail and warned that removing PIP could harm disabled young people who rely on it to work. Simon Opher, another MP who voted against the government last year, called Milburn’s approach credible but said benefit cuts should be a last resort. He also raised concerns about restricting access to Universal Credit’s health element, noting that a quarter of young claimants are not classified as NEET.

Other Labour MPs remain opposed. Bell Ribeiro-Addy said she was unsure she could support cuts, while Brian Leishman told the BBC he could not back them amid a cost-of-living crisis. The review may also cover wider issues, including early-years policy and NHS mental-health provision.

The scale of any rebellion will depend on what Burnham accepts and how the proposals are implemented. Last year, 120 Labour MPs threatened to block reforms under Sir Keir Starmer, and 49 ultimately voted against the government. Watson’s assessment is that a new revolt is possible, but unlikely to match that episode in size or political risk.