Conservatives cut benefits for young people
29/09/2014
David Cameron has announced that a Conservative government would restructure the benefits system for 18-21 year olds.
The prime minister said that if the Conservatives win the next general election, then they would cut the maximum household benefits cap from £26,000 to £23,000.
He also said that 18-21 year olds would be treated differently to other people in the benefits system.
The changes would mean that 18-21 year olds would be given just six months to find a job, before being enrolled into a system, which will mean they have to earn their benefits.
The proposals would mean that after six months of claiming Job Seekers Allowance (JSA), unemployed youths would then be entitled to a “youth allowance”, which would be set at £57.35 a week – the same level as JSA for young people.
However, in order for a young person to claim their “youth allowance” they must take part in community projects, such as cleaning up local parks.
Additionally, the majority of 18-21 year olds will be not be allowed to claim housing benefits, making it harder for unemployed youths to move out of their parental home.
3 million apprenticeships
The Prime Minister said that the new plans would save enough money to pay for over 3 million apprenticeships over a period of five years.
He also defended any allegations that the plans unfairly target the young, as the aim is to create better career prospects for those who choose not to go to university.
Mr Cameron said: "I want us to end the idea that aged 18 you can leave school, go and leave home, claim unemployment benefit and claim housing benefit.
"We shouldn't be offering that choice to young people; we should be saying, 'you should be earning or learning'."
The Conservatives tried to implement a similar plan as part of the current coalition government; however, the Lib Dems blocked the move.
However, if the Conservatives win the next general election they have pledged to implement the plans.
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