Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Duncan Smith said the government would replace the complex system of multiple benefits with a single tax credit, a move he said would be better for families with children.
During his speech Duncan-Smith said strong, stable families, good schools, and streets free of drugs allowing children to grow up safely are among the key pathways out of poverty.
A universal benefit will, he said, restore fairness and simplicity. He criticised the current benefits system for making it more financially beneficial for parents to live apart rather than together, and disincentivising work
"This is the biggest reform of welfare in a generation," he said. "We will change this broken system to help those at the bottom-end make a new start and change their lives through work."
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