There is a clear aim behind benefit reform, namely to reduce the welfare bill and make work more attractive. The results will be disruptive in the short-term and impact on health and housing in the long-term with local government having to cope with the consequences. Philippa Mellish reports.

There are no unintended consequences when it comes to welfare reform. The suite of policies being driven through by the Government represents intentional social engineering; a deliberate set of measures designed to reduce the cost of welfare and make work pay (at least that is the public messaging).