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Conservatives make benefits cuts election pledge Conservatives make benefits cuts election pledge
(about 3 hours later)
Young people out of work for more than six months face losing access to jobseeker's allowance (JSA) if the Conservatives win the next election.Young people out of work for more than six months face losing access to jobseeker's allowance (JSA) if the Conservatives win the next election.
They would have to undertake tasks such as cleaning local parks to continue receiving income support, George Osborne told the Mail on Sunday.They would have to undertake tasks such as cleaning local parks to continue receiving income support, George Osborne told the Mail on Sunday.
It was among a number of welfare cuts unveiled by the chancellor at the start of the Conservative Party conference.It was among a number of welfare cuts unveiled by the chancellor at the start of the Conservative Party conference.
The annual gathering in Birmingham has been overshadowed by two resignations.The annual gathering in Birmingham has been overshadowed by two resignations.
Tory MP Mark Reckless quit the party on Saturday to join rivals UKIP, and minister Brooks Newmark resigned over allegations about his private life.Tory MP Mark Reckless quit the party on Saturday to join rivals UKIP, and minister Brooks Newmark resigned over allegations about his private life.
'Have to work''Have to work'
In the newspaper interview given before the two setbacks, Mr Osborne said a Conservative government would also reduce the maximum annual support a household can receive, from £26,000 to £23,000.In the newspaper interview given before the two setbacks, Mr Osborne said a Conservative government would also reduce the maximum annual support a household can receive, from £26,000 to £23,000.
Under his proposals, unemployed 18-21 year olds would not be able to claim jobseeker's allowance, but would instead be entitled to a "youth allowance".Under his proposals, unemployed 18-21 year olds would not be able to claim jobseeker's allowance, but would instead be entitled to a "youth allowance".
It would be set at the same level as JSA - currently £57.35 for those aged 16-24.It would be set at the same level as JSA - currently £57.35 for those aged 16-24.
After six months looking for work or training, to continue receiving the allowance they would have to take part in "community projects".After six months looking for work or training, to continue receiving the allowance they would have to take part in "community projects".
"We are saying you will receive an allowance but if you can't find work after six months, you will have to work for the dole," Mr Osborne told the Mail on Sunday."We are saying you will receive an allowance but if you can't find work after six months, you will have to work for the dole," Mr Osborne told the Mail on Sunday.
Those young people would also be prevented from claiming housing benefit.Those young people would also be prevented from claiming housing benefit.
"It is not acceptable for young people under the age of 21 to go straight from school on to benefits and into a home paid for through housing benefit - benefit funded by other people who are working," the chancellor added."It is not acceptable for young people under the age of 21 to go straight from school on to benefits and into a home paid for through housing benefit - benefit funded by other people who are working," the chancellor added.
Single parents and young people leaving care and other vulnerable groups would be exempt from the changes, the paper reported.Single parents and young people leaving care and other vulnerable groups would be exempt from the changes, the paper reported.
A previous suggestion by the Conservatives that housing benefit would be scrapped for the under 25s was blocked by their Lib Dem coalition partners.A previous suggestion by the Conservatives that housing benefit would be scrapped for the under 25s was blocked by their Lib Dem coalition partners.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Osborne plans to use the money saved by the squeeze to fund three million apprenticeships.According to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Osborne plans to use the money saved by the squeeze to fund three million apprenticeships.
"Our mission is not just to save the pounds here and there, we're trying to change the welfare system so it doesn't trap people in poverty and a culture of dependency," he told the paper."Our mission is not just to save the pounds here and there, we're trying to change the welfare system so it doesn't trap people in poverty and a culture of dependency," he told the paper.
His proposals would only become reality if the Conservatives win next May's general election.His proposals would only become reality if the Conservatives win next May's general election.
Are you worried about the proposed benefits changes? You can email your comments to haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk