The way ahead for benefit reform in the UK
Yesterday I attended the Centre for Social Justice’s policy briefing on their Dynamic Benefits report. Implicit in the report’s title is a system which is significantly not based on a one size fits all approach.
In tune with this sentiment, Social Justice Scotland has much in common with the CSJ in terms of its objectives and principles, however, Scotland has its own unique societal issues which in turn require a particular approach. Indeed the CSJ’s Breakthrough Glasgow report (2008) highlighted an area where welfare dependency is at its worst and the figures are testament to this. The proportion of Glasweigians claiming incapacity benefit was found to be the highest of all major UK cities – double the rate for the UK. Over 40% of households in Glasgow were headed by a lone parent – 25% higher than Birmingham.
As it currently stands, many of those most in need of welfare support are disincentivised to get a job because the loss of benefits arguably outweighs the benefits of working – and by virtue of this, the system itself is obstructing social progression. Therefore, a reformed system which recognises how claimants respond to withdrawal rates should in turn cost the state – and society – less.
Refuting criticisms around the report’s seemingly unrealistic proposals, Iain Duncan Smith pointed out that not since the welfare system began has a single UK administration – whether it be blue or red – managed to cut welfare costs. The argument for systemic reform was also made recently by David Martin on the back of his research for the Centre for Policy Studies. He asserted that only through benefit simplification, enabled by technology, can real and sustainable savings be made.
As we move closer into an era of austerity, faced with tough choices on public spending restraint, it is worth remembering that the welfare state was originally based on the premise of creating a social safety net – not to incentivise family breakdown and a culture of worklessness. This is unfortunately today’s reality – and will be that of tomorrow’s unless we effect systemic change now.
Topics: benefit reform, Britain, England, Governance, social justice, society, UK, United Kingdom, welfare, welfare dependency
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
