25/06/2012

Cameron Calls For Debate On Welfare Reforms

David Cameron is set to call for a wider debate about welfare, arguing the current system promotes a "something for nothing" culture of entitlement.

In a speech later today in Kent, the prime minister is expected to say that many of the ideas for change are for the next Conservative manifesto not the coalition government.

One of the more controversial ideas he is considering is the removal of housing benefit for under-25s.

However, shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Liam Byrne described Mr Cameron's ideas for change as "hazy and half-baked".

Mr Cameron's speech is being seen as an attempt to reconnect with disgruntled Tory backbenchers that have accused him of allowing the Liberal Democrats to water down traditional party values.

But the Lib Dems point out the coalition has already brought in sweeping changes to welfare, which "need time to bed in" and warned against "repeating the mistakes of the 1980s".

The idea to scrap housing benefit for people aged under 25 would save almost £2bn a year, but housing charity Shelter fears the consequences of such a move.

Chief executive Campbell Robb said: "To take away housing benefit from hundreds of thousands of young people, particularly in the current economic environment where young people in particular are finding it very difficult to find jobs, would have a devastating impact on many people's lives.

"I think we would see many more people ending up homeless as a result of this kind of very significant change."

(H)

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