[Kursk]

Citing a specific example to illustrate an opinion is of course not indicative of the overall state of the benefits system. We all know that for every genuine story of hardship there may be a corresponding number of questionable benefits claimants.

Your friend decided that his responsibility should pass to the state full time; the state supported him and his son for years not least no doubt to maintain the bond between father and son in a home of their own but apparently this wasn't enough.

The benefits system is under review to achieve a more efficient management of the available funds for the benefit of those who need it and to ensure the right resouces go to qualifying claimants.

I don't think anyone would term such a review as seeking cheap or simple solutions but it would be irresponsible not to manage every penny of taxpayers contributions effectively and of course within what the state can afford.