Overview

This bill aims to restrict access to UK taxpayer-funded benefits for non-UK citizens from the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). It introduces several conditions for benefit eligibility, including nationality declarations and contribution-based entitlement.

Description

The bill mandates that all applicants for a national insurance number and taxpayer-funded benefits must provide a declaration of nationality. For housing and council tax benefits in England and Wales, only EU/EEA citizens who are spouses or dependants of UK citizens will be eligible. Benefits paid to EU/EEA citizens will be capped at the equivalent benefit level in their home country. Finally, entitlement to any taxpayer-funded benefit will require a demonstrable insurance-based contribution by the claimant.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government spending on benefits paid to EU/EEA citizens. Precise figures are not provided in the bill itself, but the potential savings would depend on the number of affected individuals and the amount of benefits currently claimed.

Groups Affected

• EU/EEA citizens residing in the UK: May experience reduced access to benefits, particularly housing and council tax benefits. Benefit payments could also be significantly lowered.
• UK citizens with EU/EEA spouses or dependants: The bill may affect their dependents' ability to claim certain benefits.
• UK Government: Will likely see a decrease in benefit expenditure.
• Local Councils: Will likely experience a decrease in expenditure on housing and council tax benefits.

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