Servicing misery

Since the Labour-led government came into office there has been a 21 per cent drop in the number of benefit sanctions imposed, despite there being almost 2000 more people on the Jobseeker benefit.

These numbers are concerning, given that under National’s watch more than 70,000 beneficiaries moved off benefits and into work between 2011 and last year, and the number of children living in benefit-dependent households reduced by 60,000.

It is important to help people in times of need by providing income support when they are out of work, and the Jobseeker benefit is there to support those who need it. But it does come with obligations, including looking for work, turning up to appointments, and staying drug-free.

It’s not easy for someone to have a sanction imposed on their benefit. In order for a benefit to be cut or reduced, they must repeatedly fail to meet their obligations.

Fewer sanctions isn’t a sign that more people on benefits are being compliant. It’s a sign that the government is going soft in this area.

The aim isn’t to be tough on beneficiaries. National knows that people are better off in paid work so they can live independent lives and provide a better future for themselves and their children.

We believe in supporting our most vulnerable, while ensuring they work with us to improve their own lives. People should work to help themselves, and be held accountable if they don’t.

The number of people on the Jobseeker benefit should be falling, not climbing, and New Zealanders should be concerned at this increase in dependence on the state. With unemployment still falling, and jobs being created, there are plenty of opportunities for people who are looking for work.

We need to be fair to the hardworking New Zealand taxpayers who deserve to have their money well spent. They are willing to lend a hand to people during times of need, and who are doing their bit to help themselves. But this government seems intent on tipping the balance too far the other way.

We know benefit sanctions are an effective tool to help people into work, with 95 per cent of people who receive a formal warning meeting their obligations within four weeks. If the government decides that mutual obligations shouldn’t exist, or shouldn’t be enforced, the incentives to get into work reduce significantly.

This signals a return to a system where the government simply hands out cash and sends people on their way.

These latest figures should be a warning to the government - a softening of mutual obligations will mean fewer people in work and an increase in the servicing of misery.

People’s lives are improved when they get off a benefit and into work, and that must continue to be encouraged. Unfortunately, this government is showing it has no expectations or aspirations for people to get back on their own two feet.

"Fewer sanctions isn’t a sign that more people on benefits are being compliant. It’s a sign that the government is going soft in this area."