Editorial: Benefit rules may hit kids

Most of us taxpayers will be jumping for joy about the crackdown on beneficiaries that has come into force.

There will be no more hiding behind Government pay packets from now on after National's sweeping changes - the biggest shake up in the benefit system in decades.

But will this massive shake up really work? And how will it affect those who really matter - the children.

Anti-poverty campaigners have slammed the reforms, calling them a brutal crackdown on the country's most disadvantaged.

From yesterday, thousands of people are expected to be cut from welfare benefits because they aren't abiding by the law. Those who have outstanding fines or warrants will be affected.

"Good" I hear you say. Yes, I agree. It's time people who owe money or who are wanted by the courts, face up to their crimes.

But there are real concerns there aren't enough jobs for these people to start earning money. Will they resort to more crime to pay their fines just so they can continue to get the benefit?

The job market is tough, even harder if you've got a criminal background.

The welfare system overhaul has already seen sickness beneficiaries, sole parents and widows with no children aged under 14 face the same requirements to find work as other jobless people. Another good move.

But if you're forced to work rather than sit back and collect a benefit, how well organised will you be in ensuring your affairs at home are sorted?

Will these people make sure they have adequate care for their children? Will they do due diligence, like most good parents, by visiting lots of daycares, kindergartens or home-based childcare providers to find the best care for their children? Or will they just dump their kids with the cheapest and easiest option?

While I applaud the Government for taking a tough stance on our beneficiaries, I only hope those who have no choice will not suffer.