Executive Summary of recent statement from Bob Lanzer - Crawley council leader:

The current benefit reforms are certainly going to provoke strong debate from all involved on both sides of the argument.

There is genuine and understandable concern at the ever increasing cost and number of people in receipt of benefits. Many are concerned this trend could create a culture of dependency on hand-outs.

The government states that its desire is that nobody should be better off on benefits than they would be in work. An admirable and sensible objective many would say.

Our current benefits system is very complex and this who complexity makes it very difficult to create an environment where people who are genuinely in need have an appropriate safety net, while ensuring that in all circumstances work is pays more.

A whole package of measures is supporting the government’s endeavours to reduce our national debt and to get a handle on our deficit and is aligned with a stimulus to the private sector. A good example of that support is the reduction in corporation tax. Private sector jobs have been created since the coalition government took office and job creation in the private sector seems fundamental to our future economic success.

More jobs being created should mean more people coming off of benefits and thereby contributing to much needed economic growth.

It is understandable that aspects of benefits reform can come across as being quite strong in their focus but ultimately it is in everyone’s interest if we create a situation where more people are in employment. The government cannot force this to happen but it can assist in creating the right economic environment.

Benefits reform is essential for this agenda to be delivered.