Blunkett: Welfare state needs reform

David Blunkett today said the welfare state needs to adapt to
meet the challenges of the 21st century, writes Clare
Jerrom.

The work and pensions secretary said Europe and the United
States should focus on building routes out of poverty.

“Work is the best road out of poverty and
dependence,” said Blunkett. “The welfare system should
therefore be geared to assisting people of working age out of the
need to rely on continuing support, as well as being geared to
provide security and decency for those we would all accept require
substantial ongoing personal care.”

He continued that with the right support in place, it would be
possible to raise employment, skills and productivity and improve
social inclusion.

Blunkett is to meet the Labour and Health Secretary of States in
the United States and Canada to discuss welfare provision.

The government will publish a green paper on welfare reform
later this autumn.