The claim that the government is "balancing universal credit so that it no longer pushes people away from work" is supported by the government's enacted reforms. The government has introduced and implemented legislation that explicitly "rebalances" Universal Credit. Key measures include: 1. **Reducing the UC health element for new claimants**: From April 2026, new claimants receive a lower health element rate of £217.26/month, compared to £429.80/month for existing claimants. The government's stated rationale is that the previous system "encourages sickness by paying health element recipients more than double the standard amount," creating perverse incentives that keep people out of work. 2. **Boosting the standard allowance**: Nearly 4 million households receive an income boost, with the main UC rate increasing above inflation for four years, so that "those who are searching for and in work will have more money in their pocket." 3. **Right to Try guarantee**: Legislation ensures that trying work or volunteering will not automatically trigger a benefit reassessment, removing a key barrier that deterred claimants from attempting work. 4. **£3.5 billion employment support investment**: Tailored support including Pathways to Work advisers, Connect to Work, and WorkWell programmes. The government's own official publications use the term "rebalance" to describe these changes. The reforms were enacted through the Universal Credit Act 2025 and accompanying regulations. While the broader welfare reform package was significantly watered down after a backbench rebellion (PIP changes were delayed pending a review), the UC rebalancing measures for new claimants did proceed. The claim is essentially accurate — the government has enacted legislation to rebalance Universal Credit rates and remove work disincentives. The one qualification is that the reforms apply primarily to new claimants, with existing claimants largely protected at higher rates, and the broader reform package was scaled back. However, the core assertion about balancing UC to reduce work disincentives is true. Sources: - GOV.UK, "Welfare bill will protect the most vulnerable and help households with income boost" — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/welfare-bill-will-protect-the-most-vulnerable-and-help-households-with-income-boost - GOV.UK, "Thousands to be supported into work as government reforms welfare system" — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/thousands-to-be-supported-into-work-as-government-reforms-welfare-system - GOV.UK, "Government reforms welfare system to support people into work" — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-reforms-welfare-system-to-support-people-into-work - GOV.UK, "Barriers to work removed for disabled benefit claimants as landmark legislation introduced" — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/barriers-to-work-removed-for-disabled-benefit-claimants-as-landmark-legislation-introduced - BBC News, "We've got the right balance says Keir Starmer, after benefits U-turn" — https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd78vyl3yvlo - The Guardian, "Keir Starmer forced into dramatic climbdown to pass welfare bill" — https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jul/01/welfare-bill-passes-after-keir-starmer-offers-late-concession