For people on benefits, civic involvement is an unaffordable fantasy - The Guardian 29th August 2007

The government says it wants citizens to get involved in their communities, in health and in social care. There is cross-party support for this 21st-century extension of civic rights and responsibilities, putting the service user at the heart of public provision. Yet, in another corner of the government there is benefits policy, which flies in the face of this vision, discriminating against some groups so they cannot participate as they would like to, and preventing public organisations properly involving them as they are required to by law.

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