The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) has launched its Welfare Map. (Image: Getty)
New research shows that Labor MPs accounted for 29 of the 30 highest welfare spending constituencies across six major benefits in the 12 months to March 2026. That means that more than nine out of 10 of the highest-spending seats were represented by Labour, according to the figures. The TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA), a UK-based campaign organization that advocates lower taxes, greater accountability in public spending and “an end to wasteful government spending,” released the findings on Sunday.
Its new Welfare Map examines benefits spending across every constituency and local authority in England and Wales, revealing the areas where welfare expenditure is highest and how spending has changed since 2021 and since Labor came to power in 2024.
The research found that £133.1 billion was spent on the six benefits covered by the analysis in the 12 months to March 2026, an increase of £26.1 billion.
Labor constituencies received £98.1 billion of the £133.1 billion welfare bill. The average Labor constituency had a welfare bill of £267.3 million, compared with £159.3 million for Conservative constituencies and £224.9 million for Reform UK, according to the new research by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.
The group added: “Makerfield, Andy Burnham’s constituency, had a welfare bill of £221.3 million, which had increased by £42.1 million or 23.5% in just over two years. Stephen Timms, the minister charged with reviewing PIP, had a constituency bill in East Ham of £415.6 million, while DWP secretary Pat McFadden saw his constituency of Wolverhampton South East reach £393.6 million.”
Tottenham had the largest welfare bill of any constituency, according to the figures. (Image: Getty)
Tottenham had the largest welfare bill of any constituency, at £624.9 million. Brent East had the second largest at £605.9 million, followed by Birmingham Ladywood at £590.7 million. Fifty-four constituencies had welfare bills exceeding £365 million, equivalent to more than £1 million for every day of the year. Of these, 36 had bills exceeding £400 million, and eight exceeded £500 million.
Across six main benefits, including Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), spending has increased by £26.1 billion since 2024. It hit £133.1 billion across England and Wales in the 12 months to March 2026. This represents a 24.4% increase in just over two years, TPA added.
It said that while London had the largest regional welfare bill at £24.2 billion, Birmingham is “Britain’s benefits capital.” Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley recorded the fastest growth in welfare spending, increasing by 37.1% in just over two years. Five of the 10 constituencies with the largest percentage increases were in the city.
London had the largest regional welfare bill at £24.2 billion. (Image: Getty)
The new figures have led to some furious reaction. The findings have been described as Britain’s “benefits league of shame” by GB News presenter Martin Daubney.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Our Welfare Map lays bare the parts of Britain which have become addicted to benefits.
“Over the last two years, welfare spending has spiraled out of control and politicians, worried about their poll ratings, have resisted spending restraint at every turn.
“Enough is enough. Politicians must cut this welfare bill, including by restricting who can claim and capping how much they can get, if they want to restore any semblance of taxpayers’ trust in the welfare system.”
Helen Whately MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “This Welfare Map from the TaxPayers’ Alliance is a vital tool, which lets anyone see for themselves that Labor has lost control of benefits spending.
“Labour has made it easier to claim and harder to get a job. So we have announced new policies to bring down spending and be tough on those who exploit the system.
“Britain can’t afford to keep spending this much on welfare. It’s not fair on taxpayers footing the bill.”
The TaxPayers’ Alliance said it is calling on all political parties to commit to urgent measures to “bring welfare spending under control.” The campaign group is pushing to toughen up benefit caps, tighten assessments and eligibility, and expand means testing.
Express.co.uk has approached the Labor Party for comment.