Planned government benefit changes should be balanced with investment in programmes to support people and allow them to successfully return to work, says the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Philip North.

He also suggests that, on the back of public debate, there may be more of an appetite for measured tax rises to address some of the issues currently facing the country, such as future investment in the NHS and more money for defence.

Many churches across Lancashire work daily to support people who are often struggling in a variety of ways and the Bishop was asked how the changes would impact this work during an interview on BBC Radio Lancashire this week.

• Listen to the full interview here from 2.06.40 onward

Bishop Philip's response reflected what he described as the ‘complexity’ of the issue for Christians: “On the one hand we try to look at the situation through the eyes of the poorest and most vulnerable - and benefits is an important mechanism for keeping people out of poverty.

“On the other hand I do realise the benefits bill is enormous and we need to find ways of getting people off benefits - liberating them - and the best way out of poverty is good, fair work. A benefits system that traps people in economic inactivity is not a great thing.

“What lies behind wanting welfare reform? Is it money saving or improving people’s lives? If all you do is slash the budget people will be reduced to absolute misery.”

He continued: “When you decrease benefits without similarly investing in areas that will help people turn their lives around you risk even greater poverty. In Lancashire we are already seeing huge increases in people accessing church-based services and support and that could now increase further.

“Reforming welfare is a long term project and it can’t deliver quick wins. To cut the overall bill we also need to simultaneously invest in other areas including health, social care and back to work programmes.”

“In the measures put forward in the spring statement I’m seeing the cuts but I’m not seeing that crucial investment.”

Bishop Philip acknowledged there have to be ‘tough decisions’ made and described  Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ job as ‘impossibly difficult’ in a fast-changing world where, he said, traditional alliances are breaking down and there is a need to invest more in defence.

But he added: “I also do wonder if, given the parlous state of our health service and on the back of a serious debate, managed tax rises may be more acceptable to the country now because people increasingly recognise the need to invest in the NHS as well as defence.”

In the meantime, Diocesan churches will continue to support people across Lancashire and Bishop Philip highlighted one example in the interview: The Spear Programme at Preston Minster.

Spear is designed for young people, 16 to 24-years-old, who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

It is a free, four-week training programme, followed by 6-12 months of coaching support, which helps young people get into sustained work or education.

Bishop Philip explained: “Spear works with these young people to get them ready for interviews and find work, at the same time as building their confidence and strong relationships.

“This enormously successful project is supported by one church through a huge fundraising effort and the speed at which they are getting people into work is massively impressive.

“It’s a great example of what I’ve been talking about – the importance of investing in people’s lives and the difference doing this can make.”

Caption for the above pictures, top to bottom:

• Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn
• The Spear Project at Preston Minster

Ronnie Semley, April 2025