Blair to outline vision of “opportunity society”
The Prime Minister is to spell out major changes to state welfare services in a speech in London today.
The speech will set out the New Labour agenda in the third term of office.
One of the motifs of the speech will be slashing the costs of state services.
In his speech today, Mr Blair is expected to articulate his vision of the “opportunity society” he would work for if Labour wins a third term in office.
He is to outline fundamental welfare changes, with the emphasis on the “personal” and the “flexible.”
He is expected to pledge increased university access, lifelong learning, affordable childcare and assistance for families looking to get on the property ladder.
More controversially, the Government is keen to slim down the three million strong army of people on incapacity benefit.
In a bid to reduce spending on incapacity benefit, Mr Blair will pledge to assist one million people on the benefit back into work.
He will spell out how Labour will give Britons pro-active “chances” rather than mere scope to react to problems.
This will be contrasted against the so-called “minimalist” politics of Conservative leader Michael Howard.
Throwing endless sums of money at state structures will not work, Mr Blair will say, for fundamental reform is needed to bring the welfare state into the 21st century.
