Chancellor John Healey insists Labour will cut the benefits bill but says he never set a timetable for savings

John Healey declared on Sunday that "the overall bill will come down under Labour," seeking to clear up confusion that his own earlier comments had created. Downing Street was quick to push back after Healey appeared to suggest savings would materialise before the 2029 general election. The OBR has cautioned that spending on sickness and disability benefits may reach £100 billion a year by 2030.

Healey conceded the welfare system is "not working" and indicated that further "hard decisions" on public spending lie ahead.

A White Paper and legislation are scheduled for next year, after two reviews expected this month — one examining PIP benefits, the other focused on young people and work.