Milburn review may cut under-25s' sickness and disability benefits

A review into young people and work, chaired by former health secretary Alan Milburn, is expected to recommend removing the health component of universal credit and personal independence payment (PIP) for those under 25. The proposals would replace those benefits with a standard-rate youth allowance, while individuals with additional disability-related needs would receive a separate, non-means-tested payment and those with severe disabilities would qualify for a higher rate. The review, which has been examining barriers to employment for the roughly 981,000 young people classified as not in education, employment or training, is due to publish its final report on Tuesday.

"The changes will not be 'pain-free'," Milburn told the Times, acknowledging that some young people could initially receive less financial support than under the current system.

The announcement follows broader welfare reforms under the government, but details of the final recommendations have not yet been released.