The argument for Welfare Reform in three statistics

Britain accounts for:

1% of world population

4% of world GDP

7% of the world's total welfare spending.

(Source: yesterday's Sunday Times)

We must ensure the Welfare State continues to provide a safety net for those who really need it, but if we want to afford world class healthcare and education, the situation which those statistics represent is not sustainable.

Comments

Jim said…
The UK by its very nature should be a high earning, low tax, low welfare place.

Many people argue that we need a higher min wage, I personally dont buy that. but we certainly need a tax threshold that takes everyone working full time at min wage + a little bit out of income tax.

Then we need to cap benefit at the level of someone working full time at min wage - a little bit.

it must always pay to work, sure have a safety net, that is right and propper, but its a safety net, and you sure as hell cant profit from staying in it.

I do like the idea of people working for benefit, thats right, you get up and go to work for a couple of hours for your benefit. Now I am not saying that we should use this as a side step to the min wage, but if you are "entitled" to say £x per week benefit, then you have to work the hours for it at min wage.

if you cant work, in any sector at all where there is work to be done, and can prove it via a doctor, then fine, there is an exeption. but I know for a fact there are people in wheelchairs who work in offices now.

The RAF used to have a saying with sick notes, "UNFIT FOR WORK DOES NOT MEAN UNFIT FOR DUTY" - this meant that, when i had my false knee fitted for just over 2 months I worked in PSF (basically the RAF's admin section) up until i was able to get back to my own position. same thing, people should work for benefits, if nothing else it keeps the work ethic. There is nothing worse than returning to work after a long spell away from it.

I will say again to be clear, I am not suggesting someone work full time for £65 benefit a week, but they could do 10 hours per week for it (Min wage is currently £6.50 per hour i think, if i am wrong on min wage please correct) based on 2 hours 8am-10am - I think you see the point I am trying to make.
7:13 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
I think we are in agreement that work should be rewarded and life on benefits for those who are able to work is not an acceptable lifestyle choice.
11:58 pm
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