A doctor writes first hand of the repercussions of Whitehall hyperbole on benefits
The government knows exactly what it’s doing. When the Prime Minister broadcast his intention to substantially shrink the benefits system, it wasn’t because he’s blissfully unaware of the consequences. He knows this will remove a crucial lifeline that could condemn millions to an inescapable cycle of poverty.
A pattern is developing with this government. Policies are announced that seem so clearly detrimental, those enacting them are declared by detractors as either oblivious to the ramifications or utterly callous. But rather than dismiss their decisions as the immoral acts of ignorant elitists, I want to understand their politics. Instead of blustering and chastising, I’m willing to consider that Cameron’s cabinet are neither naive nor malicious. I’d like to know how they justify their actions, and why they think what they’re proposing is right.
As an NHS doctor I can’t agree with sweeping cuts to welfare. We need a social security safety net because the unexpected is precisely that. You cannot predict the personal disasters that drive the need for benefits, in the same way that no-one sets out to require emergency medical treatment. It’s not a culture of entitlement, and it’s not a lifestyle choice. It’s a last resort. Doctors see first hand the repercussions of Whitehall hyperbole. Half a million people will lose their disability living allowance by 2016. They won’t lose their disability. Accident and Emergency departments face the overwhelming challenge of a newly homeless generation when housing benefit for under the twenty-fives is withdrawn. When government aid is withheld from the people who need it the most, the NHS feels the impact.
Nonetheless, the Conservative‘s idea is perfectly valid: switch the emphasis from benefits to employment. Make it more profitable to work than to rely on the state. Enable all people from every part of society to determine their own existence, instead of being reliant on the whims of government funded charity. It’s a well known argument:give a man a fish, and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, he feasts for a lifetime.
Full Story – The New Statesman
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and that is why they on a winner you dont find a job they stop your money no brainer its money off us whilst they get bonuses for saving them money its atopsie torvey world the rich get richer whislt the poor get poorer and they blame it all on us bankers come to mind why are they not looked up and paying the price no its us the mugs stopp our benefits give us the kicking thats about right for this lot jeff3
This NHS Dr makes a few good pointers but contradicts himself……
‘camerons not blissfully unaware of the poverty caused but is non mallicious’
er…. What???????
He indeed is not blissfully unaware no. Mallicious? Yes he is.
He knows that what he is doing is causing both excess poverty and even suicide to those whom he cruelly waves his unelected self superiority over and he gives not a shit. So Dr, wtf are u saying?
Cameron knows exactly what he’s doing. He is a Tory. He wants a return to the good old days of Victoria. Kids will be back, climbing up chimneys next. But he has a short memory. The Torys were thrown out of Scotland, and it will happen here soon. I’m getting my knitting ready and I hope to get a front row seat. Has anyone got one of those French woolie hats with the hanging bobble?