OVERHAULING the benefits system will create a fairer society, according to a city MP.

The Government’s plans to simplify the welfare system, which will prevent fraud and give people more of an incentive to work, have been welcomed by Mark Lancaster.

Recently the member for Milton Keynes North has received a number of visits and calls from residents, charities and businesses highlighting the failings of the benefits system, in particular the lack of incentives for the long-term unemployed.

In particular Mr Lancaster praised the simplification of the system, which currently comprises around 100 different types of benefits.

He said: “Time and time again I hear from people that they are financially better off on benefits than in work. I hear complaints from all sides. There are people in need who are struggling to get the money they are entitled to. There are people being paid incorrect amounts because the system is so complicated. Some of the benefits are open to fraud. Meanwhile there are those who are frustrated they have to work hard when their neighbours have the same lifestyle paid for by the state. And this array of benefits created by Labour is not something this country can afford to sustain.”

Under the new proposals a tapering system will ensure people do not automatically lost their benefits as they return to work.

Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, is seeking people’s feedback on his ‘21^st Century Welfare’ paper until October 1.

It follows Mr Lancaster raising the issue in Parliament last month, pointing to one constituent who was receiving disability allowances despite not being assessed for nine years.

A key aim is to tackle the self-perpetuating culture of worklessness in families.

Figures show that in Milton Keynes, 14.5 per cent of the working population were claiming worklessness benefits in August 2009.

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