Benefits balance

THE Government, it appears, cannot win on welfare reform. Having shown the robustness that has been lacking from previous administrations whose inaction led to the cost of benefits spiralling out of control, Ministers are being accused of fuelling abuse towards disabled people with their rhetoric and zealousness.

Some perspective is required. The Government cannot be held accountable for the boorishness of a tiny minority of people who choose not to engage their brains before opening their mouths and making false claims about the benefit entitlements of strangers. How can you legislate for such personal irresponsibility?

That said, it would help Ministers if they showed, on occasion, a little bit more tact. There will be individuals with longstanding disabilities who will never be able to return to the labour market, and will have costly care needs. And, furthermore, the transition from welfare dependency to workplace – whether it be a fit or disabled individual – will be a challenging process, especially when there is a shortage of suitable vacancies.