Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government is aiming for “quite radical change” in the way young people are supported, according to a report in The Guardian. The Guardian reported that Burnham said a root and branch review of childhood is needed.

The Guardian reported that Burnham did not rule out cutting some benefits, and that the changes he indicated could include tougher rules for benefits. According to the same report, the changes could also bring notably more help with everything from finding work to mental health.

The Guardian's summary says Burnham made these remarks in media interviews given before a release, but the excerpt available for this story ends before saying what was released. It does not say which benefits might be cut, how far any rules would be tightened, or when any changes would take effect.

The Guardian's summary describes the aim as a shift in how young people are supported, a description that covers both the possible tougher benefit rules and the additional help the summary mentions. It does not indicate whether the government has committed to any specific measures.

Because the available text is a partial summary, the full scope of the proposals is not clear from the reporting used here. This story relies only on The Guardian's report, written by Peter Walker, the paper's senior political correspondent. Readers seeking the complete account should consult The Guardian's full report, linked above.

Sources: The Guardian: Burnham aims for ‘quite radical change’ in support for young people.