Written questions

Social Security Benefits: Finance

Lords · Question HL1019 · Tabled 16 Jun 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 25 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown

To ask His Majesty's Government what has been the increase in the welfare budget in the financial year 2025-26; and what is the estimated rise over the next financial year.

Answer

Answered by Baroness Sherlock, 25 Jun 2026

The Office for Budget Responsibility project that welfare spending in 2025-26 will be £332.9billion compared to spending of £314.8billion in 2024-25, an increase of £18.1billion in nominal terms. In 2026-27 welfare spending is projected to be £352.8billio...