Data shows immigration status of benefit claimants for first time
More than 75,000 claimants who are in the UK temporarily and would typically not be able to receive benefits are also claiming UC. The BBC has asked the Department for Work and Pensions for more information. The figures were published following pressure from some Conservatives and the independent MP Rupert Lowe. A Downing Street spokesperson said the prime minister wanted to see the number of claimants reduced and insisted the government was "toughening up the system" by doubling the time a migrant has to wait before qualifying for permanent - or settled - status in the UK. They added that people in the UK illegally are not allowed to access UC.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the "staggering figures" were "clear proof that the Labour government has lost control of our welfare system". "Under Kemi Badenoch, we've set out a clear, common-sense position. This is about fairness, responsibility and protecting support for those who've contributed to this country," he said.The Conservatives have said foreign nationals should not get the personal independence payment (Pip) disability benefit or the health element of UC.Lowe said the publication of the data was a "huge win" for those who had "relentlessly pushed for this".He described the levels of foreign nationals claiming UC as "absolute insanity" adding: "We cannot afford it. The country is BROKE."
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