IMMIGRATION is creating a strain on public services, a top official at the UK’s fiscal watchdog has warned.
Economist David Miles said the country’s reliance on overseas workers “could not be sustained”.
Office for Budget ResponsibilityOffice for Budget Responsibility economist David Miles said the country’s reliance on overseas workers ‘could not be sustained’[/caption]
The Office for Budget Responsibility official urged Labour to target worklessness at home rather than relying on mass migration.
Mr Miles wrote: “Immigration, which primarily involves those of working age, delays the impact of the ageing of the population and is the driver of population growth.
“Some conclude a faster rise in the population will be beneficial in alleviating acute underlying fiscal pressures.
“But there are serious problems with that idea.”
He argued migrants still use schools, hospitals and other services and eventually become eligible for benefits.
Mr Miles said the answer lies in tackling the post-Covid surge in economic inactivity — which was mainly driven by Brits.
He wrote: “The fiscal benefits of helping people, especially young people, back into employment are substantial.”
It comes as Labour faces a backlash over Britain’s soaring benefits bill after caving to backbench rebels and watering down reforms.
Mr Miles’ comments mark a major intervention from a senior figure at the OBR, which has long treated immigration as an economic good.
The OBR has admitted low-paid migrants are a net drain — costing taxpayers £150,000 each by the time they hit state pension age.
Data shows immigration fuelled England and Wales’ population growth by 700,000 in a year to June 2024.
AlamyImmigration is creating a strain on public services, a top official at the UK’s fiscal watchdog has warned[/caption]
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