No 10 considering expanding under-25s benefits overhaul to older age groups

Exclusive: Plans to replace key disability benefits for young people with work and training could affect adults

Downing Street is considering whether plans to replace key disability benefits for the under-25s with work and training should be expanded to older age groups, the Guardian has learned, in a move that risks reigniting Labour tensions over welfare changes.

The prime minister and other cabinet ministers are looking at applying the idea of “participation first” to all working ages, meaning spending billions more on support to enter the workplace while cutting or removing some disability benefits.