Cameron Sets Out Planned U.K. Welfare Cuts in Queen’s Speech
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U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron outlined some of his government’s plans to slash welfare spending, pledging to cut the maximum amount of state support Britons can claim and freeze rates on most working-age benefits.
The Queen’s Speech on Wednesday set out the “Full Employment and Welfare Benefits Bill” to be debated in Parliament. This reiterates Conservative manifesto pledges to cut state payouts. The total amount a family can receive per year will be reduced to 23,000 pounds ($35,500) from 26,000 pounds. Most working-age benefits, tax credits and child benefit will be frozen for two years from the fiscal year starting April 2016.