Posted by The policy exchange have announced a proposal to get tougher on the benefit system. A good summation of what has been proposed can be found here.
The most disturbing part of it in my view is the following quote.
Over a third of benefit claimants felt that there was nothing wrong with choosing to stay on benefits rather than looking for work and that claiming benefits should be an option over having to work.
It should never be the case that benefits are simply an option over working. Too many people where I used to live have this mind set and the result is generation after generation of unemployed making a living from other peoples hard work.
Now obviously a good benefit system is needed for those truly in need and the proposals put forward by the policy exchange address some pretty good points. A key idea is that the more national insurance contributions you have made, the kinder the welfare system is to you. This is a great idea. You are basically on the bottom rung of the welfare ladder unless you have actively made contributions into the system from which you are extracting your income. I hope this can get put in place as it is a good incentive to get out and work.
Another point which has been raised a number of times over the past few years is benefit claimants having their benefits curbed or even totally stopped for refusing work. Damn right.