Six arguments in favour of self-funding

This report says we should welcome the gradual erosion of the mass welfare state by the move to self-funded benefits and services. Peter Saunders identifies strong economic arguments in favour of self-funding: it is more efficient, it strengthens incentives and it helps reduce the mounting pressure on government age pension and health budgets caused by the ageing population. But the main advantages are social: it strengthens social cohesion, gets politicians out of our everyday lives, and enhances self-respect and personal responsibility.