A recent analysis has revealed that over one million foreign nationals are claiming benefits in Britain. According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), households with at least one foreign national claimant received more than £7.5 billion in universal credit in 2023.
The research, conducted by the Centre for Migration Control (CMC), suggests that 40 nationalities are claiming benefits at a higher rate per head of population than British citizens, particularly after obtaining indefinite leave to remain, settled status, or refugee status.
Chris Philp, the Tory shadow home secretary, described the figures as “unacceptable” and “astonishing.” He told The Telegraph that it is “immoral” for British taxpayers to be subsidizing nationals of other countries on such a large scale. Philp argued that this situation is a key reason why taxes in the UK are so high.
He also pointed out that low-wage migrants often end up costing taxpayers more money, emphasizing the need to end the era of mass migration. To address this, Philp has proposed amendments to the Borders Bill, including a legally binding annual cap on immigration numbers and an increase in the visa salary threshold to £38,000 across the board.
The analysis is based on 2019 DWP data, which showed that 990,000 foreigners—610,000 non-EU nationals and 380,000 EU nationals—were claiming working-age benefits. While the DWP has not updated these figures since then, the CMC estimates that an additional 168,000 claimants would have been added if claims continued at the same rate. This brings the total to approximately 1,158,000, though the actual number may be lower due to some claimants leaving the country, passing away, or no longer claiming benefits.
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions stated that the figures from 2019 cannot be used to accurately reflect the current nationality of claimants. They also emphasized that universal credit is designed to encourage employment and career progression, with a thorough application process in place. The spokesperson added that illegal migrants without immigration status cannot receive universal credit, and refugees or non-UK/Irish citizens are only eligible for payments after their status is granted by the Home Office and they pass the Habitual Residence Test.
The findings have sparked debate about the UK’s immigration and welfare systems, with critics calling for stricter controls and supporters highlighting the importance of supporting those in need, regardless of nationality.
