Benefit cuts to target young

“There appears to be a greatdeal of confusion surrounding the Prime Minister's proposal.

“However, should any attempt bemade to introduce regional rates of benefits, we will resist such a move. Waleswill be hit disproportionately compared to many other parts of the UK by thewelfare reforms already proposed by the UK Government. Any attempt to introduceregional benefits will just make matters worse.

“With prices in many areas ofWales being much higher than in other parts of the UK, the imposition of aregional benefit regime would simply compound the problem."

The Prime Minister is attempting to undermine the whole basis of social security and national insurance by pretending that our welfare state only serves the very few who abuse the system - while instead it provides vital support to millions of families across the country.

To take one proposal, ending housing benefit for all young people would leave no provision for those trying to move to where there are jobs and get settled in a career that will allow them in turn to make a contribution.

This looks like a Government which simply does not understand how precarious life can be for millions who work hard and play fair. The real issue with our welfare state is that it isn't giving most people the real help they need, not that it's too generous.

The Prime Minister is absolutely correct to start this debate on the welfare system. Reducing the amount the state spends on benefits is imperative if we are to set our country’s finances backon the right track.The rising cost of an ageing population means that we need to get a grip on spending before it is too late.

However, the Prime Minister should be aiming for wholesale reform rather than changes in a few selected areas. There can be no sacred cows, and means-testing benefits like free TV licences and bus passes for the elderly should also be considered.

We have, in some ways, created a welfare gap in this country –between those living long-term in the welfare system and those outside it. Those within it grow up with a series of expectations: you can have a home of your own, the state will support you whatever decisions you take, you will always be able to take out no matter what you put in.

This has sent out some incredibly damaging signals. That it pays not to work. That you are owed something for nothing. It gave us millions of working-age people sitting at home on benefits even before the recession hit. It created a culture of entitlement. And it has led to huge resentment amongst those who pay into the system, because they feel that what they’re having to work hard for, others are getting without having to put in the effort.