Benefits Claimants Could Be Banned from Gambling By the Tory Party

Kemi Badenoch has controversially claimed that benefits claimants would be banned from gambling, and other pursuits, if the Conservatives were to win the next General Election.

Long term welfare claimants would be barred from using their benefits payments to fund their betting and purchase alcohol and cigarettes.

Badenoch described the UK government’s current welfare system as ‘unfair to workers’ and vowed to penalise those claiming benefits payments should she assume power at 10 Downing Street.

Benefits Betting Ban?

Revealing the Conservative Party’s latest round of policy proposals, Badenoch confirmed that any claimants that have been out of work for six months or more could have their welfare payments cut by 30%.

That would be conditional on their physical ability to work, as well as being means-tested based on how much they have previously paid into the welfare system.

As well as having their benefits slashed, recipient's would be funded via a prepaid card, known as a Back to Work card – rather than having the money paid directly into their bank account.

And a veto on gambling, alcohol and cigarettes would be placed upon the Back to Work card, meaning that claimants would not be banned from using it to place wagers in a betting shop or to fund their casino and/or bingo gaming.

Safety Net

Introducing her new policy, Badenoch commented that the ‘best welfare is a well-paid job.’

“We will be tough on those who exploit the system, because the current system is unfair to workers, taxpayers and those who truly need support,” the Tory Party leader said. “Welfare must be a safety net for those who genuinely need it, not a lifestyle choice for those who can't be bothered.”

She estimates that the proposed changes could save the Treasury around £540 million a year, with approximately 350,000 claimants moved onto a lower rate of Universal Credit payments.

However, a spokesperson for the Labour Party criticised the policy, stating: “The Conservatives had 14 years to fix our welfare system, but they completely failed to make meaningful reforms.

“Now they are proposing an unworkable new card scheme, which does nothing to tackle the numbers of people their system left signed off and written off.”

Tory Policy On Universal Credit

Although the Conservatives haven’t gone into specifics about how their new card system will work, the shadow welfare secretary – Helen Whately – cited the UK’s current Aspen card as well as the methodology deployed in Australia, where benefits claimants are handed a prepaid debit card with conditions attached.

The Aspen card is currently issued to asylum seekers who are living in government-funded accommodation, with provision to use it for spending on essential day-to-day items.

However, the Home Office was forced to launch a full investigation last year after it was revealed that asylum seekers had made more than 6,000 payments in arcades and Adult Gaming Centres over the past 12 months.

In Australia, the pre-authorised card cannot be used to place bets or purchase cigarettes, vapes and alcohol over the counter.

Welfare Bill On the Rise

According to the Department for Work and Pensions, the UK’s total welfare bill could reach £408 billion annually by 2031.

The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to slash that figure by focusing on the prospects of young people, providing them with more opportunities to work, study or train.

However, Helen Whately claims that approach doesn’t go far enough. “We cannot go on like this – with millions of people living on benefits instead of in work,” she said. “Britain can't afford it. It's not fair on taxpayers footing the bill.”