Chancellor says government has 'moral duty' to help young people out of work

Chancellor John Healey has pledged a reduction in the welfare bill ahead of the next general election, in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

His comments come after the Conservatives accused Labour of being "addicted to welfare", while Reform UK said the Budget did not address the "ballooning" benefits bill.

Welfare spending is forecast to rise this year to £353bn - and to £431bn in 2031/32, according to government spending watchdog the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).