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More money is paid out to people in benefits in Kent than
the County Council's entire budget.
This makes getting people off of benefits and into work a matter
of real urgency.
In fact it is fundamental to the long-term success of the
county, which is why I believe the government's move to scrap the
10p tax rate is a big step backwards.
The carrot and stick approach is the one that works best. My
view, that people who are able to work should, is well known, but
we also need to give people an incentive to get off of
benefits.
KCC is helping people to get training and jobs through our
innovative
Supporting Independence Programme.
But if you can earn more on the dole it's hardly surprising that
people are not motivated to work, and neither will the generations
that follow.
We need to do everything we can to stop the spiral of dependency
and give people back their self esteem - and a pay packet in their
pocket.
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