Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Government signals changes to social welfare system

Updated at 5:49 am on 3 November 2009

The Government has signalled it intends to proceed with changes to the social welfare system as the economy moves out of recession.

The invalid's benefit is among those being looked at. Claimant numbers have risen from 51,000 to 85,000 over the past 10 years.

Finance Minister Bill English says he is concerned by the increase and wants to get people off long-term benefits.

But former Green Party MP Sue Bradford says it is part of a worldwide trend and the direct result of an ageing population.

Minister of Social Development Paula Bennett says a range of measures are being considered, including detailed monitoring of those on sickness and invalid's benefits.

Listen to item on Morning Report

Copyright © 2009, Radio New Zealand