In praise of Iain Duncan Smith's Welfare Reforms

Thanks Galen that explains what I have heard.

I don't know anyone on benefits so I can't judge but I have a cleaner coming from a family of low income brothers and sisters and families all hard workers in jobs with children the same. She lives in a village where some of her neighbours drive her to fury with their determination not to work. She also works in a shop where again she rails against the badly fed children with parents buying drink.

Not to my knowledge. That would only be the case if they were in the support group for ESA.

sunseeker totally agree on that point,I was told and I do not know how true it is as I never believe everything I am told that if a person is an alcholic they get extra £s per week benefit monies if it is true I would be totally ashamed of the system that would allow this to happen.

I've got a lot of respect for IDS, and for Frank Field too. Both seem to me to look for effective solutions rather than sound bites.

I agree, but we must be careful that in getting the workshy off benefits we don't hurt those who are in genuine need.

I know of a man who has been on benefits for over 20 years because he has a drink problem, yet he refuses to take part in any programme that would help him give up drinking - I would like to see his benefits stopped.

Do you remember the programme some years ago ( when Labour were in power) when some high profile people spent a week living with people on benefit.
IDS was one of these. He formed his view then of how wrong it was that people were trapped in benefit. I hope he stays strong, because this has to stop. Unfortunately you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.

Excellent speech. Thank you ninny.