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Welfare bill excluded from King's Speech; reforms delayed until mid-2027
The government announced that a welfare bill would not be part of the King's Speech, delaying any new welfare legislation until at least mid-2027. This follows a Labour revolt in 2025 over welfare reform and comes amid ongoing reviews and policy ideas to incentivise work. Timms and Milburn reports are expected to shape the approach in the coming months.
Why It Matters
The decision signals a slower pace for welfare reform and may affect Labour MPs and the government's ability to drive its agenda ahead of potential leadership changes. The outcome could influence future policy direction on health-related benefits and work incentives.
Timeline
6 Events
Timms Interim Report on PIP expected around July 2026
July 2026
The Timms Review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) system, led by Sir Stephen Timms, is expected to publish an interim report around July 2026.
Welfare bill not included in King's Speech; reforms to proceed without new legislation
May 11, 2026
The government stated that the welfare bill would not form part of the King's Speech, and no new welfare legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament until mid-2027 at the earliest. A government source noted reforms are being pursued without new legislation, including 'right to try' rules allowing work without benefits reassessment and paid work placements for 18- to 21-year-olds who have been out of work or education for over 18 months.
Milburn report on youth worklessness due in weeks
May 2026
Alan Milburn's report into the rising number of young people not working or studying is due to be published in the next few weeks; Milburn has made provocative comments during his work, including that Britain is 'writing off' a generation of young people with 'normal' mental health conditions. The report was commissioned by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden.
Final Timms Review report expected later in 2026
2026
A final Timms Review report is expected to be published later in 2026.
June 2025: Labour MPs revolt over welfare reform and government climbs down
June 2025
The prime minister's initial attempt to overhaul the welfare system prompted a mass revolt by Labour MPs, culminating in an embarrassing climbdown for the government in June 2025.
2025: Government announces reviews and work-incentive measures
2025
In the wake of the June 2025 setback, ministers announced a pair of welfare reviews designed to generate new ideas, along with several measures intended to incentivise more people to work.