UK targets $6.5 billion in welfare and disability cuts

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's government said on Tuesday it planned to cut 5 billion pounds ($6.5 billion) from the support given to people with disabilities and long-term health conditions, as part of efforts to tame a sharply rising welfare bill.

Liz Kendall, the minister for work and pensions, told parliament she was reforming the welfare system to encourage people into work and off the benefits system. As part of that, the government aimed to cut 5 billion pounds a year by 2029/30.

(Reporting by Muvija M; writing by Kate Holton; editing by Elizabeth Piper)