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Significant changes to benefits announced in budget

Social Care Minister, Chris Robertshaw

People claiming unemployment benefit who are below the age of 25 will see their weekly allowance significantly cut, while some other major benefit cutbacks have also been confirmed.

Subject to approval, job seekers will receive £17.25 less while couples where one or both members are under 18 will also see their benefits reduced.

The Department of Social Care says young persons living in residential care or board and lodging will not be affected by this measure.

It’s believed this will save £500,000 of public spending.

Child benefit will also be slashed to £13.50 from April but the benefit rate for a first child will remain at £20.40.

The current rate of £30 per week payable in respect of young people age 16 to 19 is to be scrapped, but those currently receiving the payment will continie to do so until leaves school or reaches the upper age limit.

These measures will save £2.5m annually.

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