Editorial: Youth benefit plans

The National Party's plans to stop youth spending their benefits on illegal products was not unexpected.

Encouraging people, no matter what their age, to get off the dole and into work is in line with the party's core beliefs and philosophies.

Under the policy - announced at the National Party conference at the weekend - 16 and 17-year-olds who left school and went on a benefit would be attached to a "responsible adult" who would handle payments for them, such as rent and power, as well as teaching them about budgeting and helping them access training courses. The beneficiary would also be given cards to buy food.

Teenage mothers would be included and their childcare costs paid by the Government.

It would also stop them using their benefits to buy alcohol and cigarettes, even though it is actually illegal for them to do so.

Being an election year, opposition parties will of course say the policy is not good enough, and theirs will be better but really, is this not a good start?

There are currently about 4000 16 and 17-year-olds on a benefit and at any given time between 8500 and 13,500 of the same age not in education, training or work.

It is unacceptable to have that many youths on a benefit and National should be commended for taking action on a system that is clearly failing.

Critics have said that the policy does not address the wider issue of youth unemployment and that National should focus on creating more job opportunities.

But there are jobs out there and those receiving benefits are not necessarily doing so because there is no work. Teaching young people to spend their money wisely while at the same time supporting them as they consider potential career options is surely a positive step toward reducing those dependent on the state.

Few teenagers are mature enough to receive a weekly pay cheque of up to $400, spend it responsibly while at the same time making decisions that can affect the rest of their lives.

This is the first step in what can only be positive changes to the welfare system.

After all, who wants their hard earned tax dollars being spent on booze and cigarettes? 

Have your say by leaving a comment below or email the editor on: editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz