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This is a bit of a circular argument and somewhat misdefines the term "benefit dependency". As I've observed before I totally get the heart-on-sleeve "something should be done" position but, if we want a better place not having people dependent on handouts is a good aim. https://twitter.com/Chris_Goulden/status/1319172194283421699
If all we do is bung some cash (or worse still have poor kids queue up at some sort of school soup kitchen) then we are doing something and it assuages our concerns. But talk about long term answers and the echo chamber is silent.
The broad left (and many technocratic centrists) can't see beyond giving out more benefits. And yes "the kids are hungry, give them dinner" is a good sentiment. But does this do anything about the reason the kid is hungry?
Meanwhile my right of centre friends all talk about personal responsibility and "shouldn't have kids if you can't afford them". But that's not the kids' fault, being told their parents are feckless doesn't feed them.
Or we get "that's people's tax there you know".
And I get these arguments too. Especially when, as they often do, they come from people who themselves don't have great income, wealth or riches.
And I get these arguments too. Especially when, as they often do, they come from people who themselves don't have great income, wealth or riches.
We spend (ignoring money.on pensions, schools and health) something like £130 billion on a system to mitigate poverty.
The benefits system is a failure. I know this because a footballer is calling for more money because kids might not get a dinner in the holidays.
The benefits system is a failure. I know this because a footballer is calling for more money because kids might not get a dinner in the holidays.
Maybe we should ask why the system doesn't work? Perhaps we give benefits to people who really don't need them? Perhaps people don't claim what they're due?
Maybe we should also ask why important things like the rent and the bus are so expensive?
Perhaps we should ask about how much damage is doe to society by the lack of family policy?
The single best predictor of future poverty is being raised outside a stable family. Indeed family structure predicts crime, drug use, domestic violence and child abuse not just poverty
The single best predictor of future poverty is being raised outside a stable family. Indeed family structure predicts crime, drug use, domestic violence and child abuse not just poverty
