Working Families' initial response to 21st Century Welfare consultation paper

The current welfare system is too complex and Working Families welcomes the consultation paper’s aim to simplify tax credits and benefits.   We agree that work is the best route out of poverty for most people.  More needs to be done to ensure that work pays, including for those working less than 16 hours a week.  But the consultation paper pays little attention to some serious constraints facing working parents.  The high cost of childcare and a lack of flexible jobs are key deterrents that need to be tackled alongside benefit reform if work is to be good for families.