An authoritative national survey examining British public attitudes toward welfare spending reveals minimal support for reducing disability benefits across the political spectrum, complicating potential government cost-cutting plans.
The British Social Attitudes report indicates that while overall welfare spending support has declined significantly, just 7% of survey respondents back cuts to disability benefits, with nearly half advocating for increased spending. Support remains robust among Conservative and Reform UK voters, of whom 40% favor greater spending on unable-to-work claimants and only 10% support reductions. Among Labour voters, the figures are even starker, with 5% supporting cuts and 57% backing more generous provision.
Two government-commissioned reviews focusing on personal independence payment and support for unemployed young people are anticipated imminently, with speculation suggesting they may recommend restrictions on disability benefit spending. Government officials from both the Conservative party and Reform UK have indicated interest in reducing what they characterize as unsustainable disability spending, with proposals ranging from £23bn to £50bn in potential savings. However, the research suggests such measures would encounter significant political headwinds.
According to Robert de Vries, co-author of the report and senior lecturer at the University of Kent, disability benefit recipients are consistently viewed as among the most deserving welfare beneficiaries, and proposals to cut such spending appear politically risky across all political groupings. The survey acknowledged difficulties in measuring precise public sentiment, noting that support levels may vary depending on specific claimant categories and conditions. Research indicates initial public backing for proposed cuts can shift once details emerge regarding affected populations and hardship consequences.
The findings carry particular significance given recent history: last year the government withdrew proposed £5bn in disability benefit cuts following public opposition and Labour backbench resistance. The survey, based on interviews with 4,656 people between August and October 2025, has tracked British attitudes on various policy matters since 1983. The report notes that while disability benefit spending has increased recently, overall welfare expenditure has remained relatively flat, suggesting political characterizations of an unsustainable system may be overstated.
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