Weekly update 5/08/2010
Posted by Jacob Rees-Mogg, MP for North East Somerset, at 14:35, Mon 9 August 2010:
Welfare reform has been on the political agenda since the Poor Laws were introduced under Elizabeth I. Society has a strong desire to look after those who cannot care for themselves while not wishing to encourage the able-bodied and employable to do nothing.
Iain Duncan Smith’s proposals aim to help those who are trapped by welfare but also to be generous to those who have no choice. In both my canvassing and surgeries it has become clear to me that the current system fails. It is complex so that people are caught out not because of intended fraud but by honest mistake. It is punitive in that some benefits are withdrawn at rates that make work an unaffordable choice. It is also expensive which increases the tax burden on those in work, further removing incentives.
The new ideas being proposed could simplify the range of benefits that can be claimed and the basis for application. It would also remove the harshest withdrawal rates so that work always paid. It will be done generously so that the cost does not fall in the short term but it will benefit society greatly even if it is only partly successful.
The greatest losses from unemployment and welfare dependency do not fall on those of us of who pay for it but the individuals and families who live with it. Employment brings self-respect, ambition and aids family life. Welfarism can be destructive to all those, which makes reform essential.
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Posted by Pat Carlen, 15:04, Mon 9 August 2010: (Is this post abusive?) #
YOU CLAIM THAT 'The greatest losses from unemployment and welfare dependency do not fall on those of us of who pay for it but the individuals and families who live with it. Employment brings self-respect,ambition and aids family life. Welfarism can be destructive to all those, which makes reform essential.' DOES THIS ANALYSIS ALSO APPLY TO THE ROYAL FAMILY AND YOUR CITY FRIENDS?
Posted by michelle rainey, 15:59, Mon 9 August 2010: (Is this post abusive?) #
Could you share with us what these proposals are and where will the employment be comming from?