The Chancellor has set his sights on people on Universal Credit without a health condition in his budget.

Jeremy Hunt announced changes to the benefit for people with a disability to help them into work and a tougher approach on sanctions for those with no health conditions to ensure more people who can work take up a job.

The UK Government said it is the biggest change to the welfare system in the past ten years.

On people with no health condition on Universal Credit, Mr Hunt, said: “There are two million job seekers in this group more than enough to fill every vacancy in the economy.

"Independence is always better than dependence.

"Those who can work should work. Sanctions will be applied more rigorously for those who refuse to take up a reasonable job offer.”

He said for people working low hours, the Administrative Earnings Threshold for Universal Credit will rise from the equivalent of 15 hours to 18 hours at National Living Wage.

It means non-working or low-earning individuals will be asked to meet more regularly with their Work Coach for support to move into work or increase their earnings.

The Chancellor also set out changes for people with a disability who claim Universal Credit.

Mr Hunt said a white paper is being published on disability benefits.

It will include plans to abolish the work capability assessment and will separate benefits entitlement from an individual’s ability to work.

The Chancellor said disabled benefit claimants will always be able to seek work without fear of losing financial support.

Moves to help disabled people were welcomed but the government has been told people don't need more sanctions.

David Hilferty, of Citizens Advice, said: “The Work Capability Assessment is outdated and unfit for purpose, we welcome the move to consign it to history. 

“It is vital that people experiencing ill health, disability and impairment have the financial security to find suitable and appropriate work, without the terror of the prospect of having to be re-assessed as soon as their situation changes.  

“We welcome the stated policy intent but this announcement will be measured by the outcome for people, and we await detail of how this will work in practice. 

"People need support, not sanctions. The prospect of more sanctions is concerning."