A think tank founded by former Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged the UK government to immediately restrict access to health and disability benefits for people with conditions like mild depression, anxiety, or ADHD, labeling them as "non-work limiting."
The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) argues that individuals diagnosed with these issues should receive support and treatment rather than cash payments, in a bid to curb rising welfare costs and long-term dependency.
Under the proposed changes, conditions such as lower back pain and common musculoskeletal disorders would also be excluded from eligibility for cash benefits, provided they are deemed compatible with work. The TBI claims these adjustments could be implemented without a full act of Parliament, while more thorough reforms are developed.
Currently, 1,000 people per day become eligible for health and disability benefits. The Office for Budget Responsibility has projected spending on such benefits for working-age people will hit £78.1 billion by 2029-30, a 15% increase from this year.
Dr. Charlotte Refsu, a former GP and TBI's director of health policy, said: "The system is drawing too many people into long-term dependency for conditions that are often treatable and compatible with work, and not doing enough to support recovery."
YouGov polling commissioned by the TBI found 54% of voters believe the welfare system is too easy to access and fails to prevent misuse. The think tank suggests that supporting people into work rather than benefits would reduce social isolation and increase independence.
However, learning disability charity Scope condemned the proposals as "deeply unhelpful and ill-informed." Chief executive Jon Holmes warned: "Slapping labels on people and denying them benefits will not tackle the root cause. It will push people into deeper anxiety, misery, and poverty."
The government declined to comment directly on the TBI's recommendations but said it would consider the report. A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson highlighted recent actions, including cutting new Universal Credit health payments by up to 50% and increasing face-to-face assessments.
Ministers have previously backtracked on major benefit reforms after a revolt from Labour MPs. A review led by Social Security Minister Sir Stephen Timms is expected later this year.