In the provision of welfare a government has to make sure it doesn’t cross a line that already exists in society. It’s a difference between state-led provision and private enterprise still found in all its forms. A charity handout is one example, as well as free support and advice, and grants and funds.
The prerogative, however, is to cover more issues than a simple need meets. The benefit eventually covers a multitude of problems that exist, in part, because of reasons in a government’s remit. It may be a school dropout, a legacy of closed industry, or an illness that takes too long to care for.
The proper, newer age of welfare is one that takes all this into account, and more. The mere fact of someone being out of work is not the main issue anymore. The solving of problems is also not a case of social justice. It’s about an intelligent use of resources to provide further for citizens. It’s what’s at stake.
