General Election Analysis: Reform UK Manifesto

BASW UK Public & Political Affairs Lead, Kerri Prince reads through and summarises the policy proposals from Reform UK for this election.

Reform UK Manifesto

In some polls, Reform UK are polling higher than the Conservatives and are projected to win at least a couple of seats on 4th July. For this reason, we have decided to conduct an analysis of the Reform UK manifesto and what it says on issues relating to social work and social care. It is worth noting that although they are highly unlikely to win a majority in the election, in an event of a hung parliament they may hold more influence. 

Taxes and benefits 

Reform believe that the basic rate of tax should start at £20,000 and would scrap VAT on energy bills. They would also change rules on inheritance tax, and ‘reform the tax system’. 

Reform believes that their changes to taxation will motivate unemployed people back into work. They would also enforce a 2-strike rule for job offers or have their benefits withdrawn. 

Social care

Reform would commence a royal commission of inquiry into the social care system. There is no mention of children’s social care. 

What else is Reform saying?

Reform would abolish the Renters Reform Bill, a Bill that BASW has been supportive of for the reason that it would end bad experiences for renters. 

The vast majority of the Reform UK manifesto is about cutting immigration and prioritising Britons for services over non-Brits. These policies are not part of BASW’s manifesto and there is not much in the Reform manifesto that directly aligns with BASW.

We encourage our members to read all literature available ahead of casting their vote.

You can read the full Reform UK manifesto here.