Open ended welfare

The Sun has been covering the case of Gary Bateman, whose partner is pregnant with their twelfth child.

The £1,200-a-month rent on their imposing detached home comes out of more than £30,000 a year they claim from the State, says the paper.

Today they suggest he has made a single mother pregnant. She's also on benefits, and was pictured smoking. His partner has banned him from his other hobby, motocross.

Doubtless some working couples would like a large family but can't afford it. They might also like spare money for motocross.

One proposal to the government for saving money was that there should be no additional benefits for more than four children.

Additional benefits should undoubtedly taper. They should also be subject to community service.

That's not a full answer. But open ended welfare payments are certainly unacceptable.