Health, Welfare and the People

Interesting isn't it - we've had a pretty generous social welfare system for years, where people have been able to tap into it without much questioning, and whilst the money has been flowing around the system, no-one apart from the Daily Mail readership has really been that bothered.  Cue the worst financial collapse since the 1930s, and all of a sudden the apparent generosity of the state (on our behalf) is coming under scrutiny.  It doesn't take the brains of an Archbishop (or does it?) to work out that we simply can't afford the same level of profligacy.  The trick now, which I believer their Lordships have missed, is to ensure that those who are in genuine need of our support are not penalised.  Having more checks in the system can only benefit those deserving cases: it will add evidence to their case, and therefore legitimacy.  Therefore, those who continue to be in receipt of such allowances will be utterly genuine, and able to hold their heads up high as equals, whom we are rightfully helping on their way back to full employment, or helping to maintain a decent standard of life.  There is a lot of scaremongering from various campaign groups (arguably not all are as altruistic as they'd have you think - some groups/organisations are an industry in themselves), but let's proceed with the reforms, ensure that there are proper safeguards to protect those who might fall through the cracks (I'm not fully confident in the bureaucracy myself!).  But, the gravy train has got to stop, it's not a lifestyle choice, it's a safety net for those who through no fault of their own, need our help.