A range of benefits, including winter fuel payments and child benefit, face dramatic overhauls and cuts as part of the coalition government’s plans to reduce public spending.
Ministers are reportedly reviewing the provision of child benefit for “middle class” families as part of the spending review, whilst the qualifying age for winter fuel allowance could increase from 60 to 66, according to reports in the Telegraph.
But the government has stressed that there were no plans to scrap universal benefits, although many will find that they will no longer be eligible for benefits that the currently receive.
It is believed that benefits such as free bus passes, free eye tests and free TV licences are also under review.
The overhaul of the benefits system is being undertaken by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith, with as much as £3bn of funding secured to cover the up-front costs of the changes.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, claimed that the situation was “complex” and “we haven’t taken any decisions yet”. The full scope of the government’s plans will be revealed in the comprehensive spending review on October 20th.
“We will have to find savings on what is a very large welfare bill,” he told the Today programme.
“I think it is right that you should try to reform the system so it is as simple as possible and so there are incentives to work.”
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