Tory welfare plans back 'the right thing'
Tuesday, 20 April 2010 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Benefit claimants who refuse to join the Conservatives' proposed 'work programme' would face quick cuts to their payments, under Tory plans out today.
The Conservatives propose introducing a range of new sanctions for those seeking a "free ride" within six months of taking office.
Jobseeker's Allowance would be cut for all those who refuse to join the work programme, an all-embracing new initiative to support those looking for work.
Anyone who refuses to take up job offers the government defines as 'reasonable' would also find their benefits cut - the first time for one month, the second time for three months and the third time for three years.
Anyone repeatedly caught committing benefit fraud would lose their benefits for up to three years.
"The old way - the big government way - has failed," David Cameron will say later today.
"It's time to tackle welfare dependency a new way - the Big Society way. We're going to change the whole way welfare is done in this country so everyone takes responsibility and plays their part.
"This is our new welfare contract: do the right thing and we will back you all the way. But fail to take responsibility - and the free ride is over."
The Tories' work programme, which would be up and running by the end of the year, would provide help immediately for those over 25, but only after six months for those under 25.
Young people struggling to find work would benefit from 400,000 apprenticeship, training and college places, however, to be set up within two years.
Business-led training places would be emphasised, especially in the hospitality and leisure industry where 50,000 places have been identified.
And business start-ups would be offered business mentors and loans.
Newsletter sign up