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No welfare for the undeserving poor

Britain is set to experience the biggest reform of its welfare (“entitlements”) system since Clement Attlee introduced the Welfare State after World War 2. The proposed reforms have reintroduced debate about the notion of an ‘undeserving poor’, who the state has no responsibility towards. Despite cross party agreement that welfare reform is necessary, there are huge differences of opinion as to how exactly the system should change. The left argue that it’s our duty to look after those who can’t work, no matter what the reason; the right believe that it’s wrong to penalise workers by handing over their taxes to people who choose not to get a job. The difference in attitude underlies detailed policy positions: for or against means testing; for universal child benefit; for temporary versus permanent social housing, etc.

The left-wing economic commentator Will Hutton attempted, as reported on in a recent Radio 4 programme, to triangulate a middle position including both personal responsibility and duty of care. But it is intellectually hard. There’s little common ideological ground to be found. Does the state have responsibility to us all, or simply those of us who conform to policy?