Over half of Britons rely on government support

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has raised concerns about a growing "culture of dependency" in Britain. She cited a new report stating that over half of adults in the UK rely on the state for their livelihoods. This includes various groups, such as public sector workers, students, pensioners, and those receiving Universal Credit. Badenoch warned that a "bureaucratic class" is emerging, which she believes is hindering economic growth. The report from the Adam Smith Institute suggests that 52.1% of adults depend on state support in some form, and it highlights the problem of increasing government spending commitments. With Chancellor Rachel Reeves set to deliver her Spring Statement soon, concerns about rising taxes have been amplified. The report calls for significant reforms to change how state resources are used. Badenoch argued that talented individuals should be focused on productive work instead of getting stuck in heavy bureaucracy. The Adam Smith Institute noted that the true number of those reliant on the state might be even higher than reported. Additionally, the think tank warned that as the government imposes more taxes, such as the expected increase in employers' National Insurance contributions, the private sector could suffer. This could lead to fewer jobs, increasing the number of people dependent on state support. Several experts echoed these concerns. Sam Bidwell from the Adam Smith Institute urged for awareness about the dwindling number of taxpayers supporting rising government spending, calling it “unsustainable.” John Longworth, chairman of the Independent Business Network, warned that the UK's situation resembles a move towards a communist state, where the government plays a larger role in the economy, ultimately making people poorer. The Department for Work and Pensions has been approached for comments on these findings.