‘The benefits system has created a benefit culture. It doesn't just allow people to act irresponsibly, but often actively encourages them to do so. Sometimes they follow the signals that are sent out … Other times, they hazily follow them, trapped in a fog of dependency.

We say: we will look after the most vulnerable and needy. We will make the system simple. We’ll make work pay. We’ll help those who want to work, find work. But in return we expect people to take their responsibilities seriously too. To look for work. To take work. To contribute where they can. It's a vision of a stronger society, a bigger society, a more responsible society and today, the building of that society starts in earnest.’ (David Cameron, 2011c)

‘My disabilities are not self-inflicted, I didn't choose to become disabled. I’m grateful for benefits but it makes me feel like someone else owns me, like I don't have a future. I disagree that benefits are a “lifestyle choice”. Life on benefits breaks your spirit, destroys families, makes folk homeless – who’d want that? You’d have to be a masochist.

Politicians can talk about benefits claimants, they can hold the idea of a “good life” on benefits, as an idea, conceptually, but until they experience it themselves, they have no knowledge of it. It's no easy ride.’ (‘Cath’)