HC Deb 30 November 1993 vol 233 cc926-9

Social security spending is increasing at an underlying rate of more than 3 per cent. a year in real terms, well above the sustainable growth rate of the economy as a whole. If this trend continues, it will place a quite impossible burden on the working population in the future—our children and our children's children. If we do not plan the social security programme properly, we shall be unable to give effective help to those who need it most.

A good social security system, under which the better-off and people in work pay to support the poor and the disadvantaged, is an essential feature of a modern civilised state. In reviewing the social security budget, the Government's objectives have been to ensure that the social security system is better targeted on today's real needs and to make it simpler and less susceptible to fraud.

    c927
  1. JOB SEEKER'S ALLOWANCE 175 words
  2. c927
  3. FAMILY CREDIT 165 words
  4. cc927-8
  5. STATUTORY SICK PAY 156 words
  6. c928
  7. EMPLOYERS' NATIONAL INSURANCE CONTRIBUTIONS 332 words
  8. cc928-9
  9. INVALIDITY BENEFIT 178 words
  10. c929
  11. STATE PENSION AGE 440 words