He said that going to work was not just about income but "about culture and a sense of the self", adding that his planned universal credit would better ensure that work pays for disadvantaged households.
"The UK has one of the highest levels of personal debt as well as family breakdown," he said. "We have to get ourselves off the idea of the UK economy depending on everyone borrowing as much as they can and spending as much as they can. That is the road to ruin."
But campaigners expressed concerns that there was no-one at the centre of government to uphold the interests of families.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
