'Five key principles' for means testing

Minister believes need is an absolute

The public is being asked for their views on Government's new plans for means testing.

Five 'key principles' have been proposed by Cabinet Office heads, as the policy and reform minister aims to develop what he calls a 'high level policy' on the matter.

This would include giving sole responsibility of means testing calculation to the Treasury.

But, when asked about the concept of need, Chris Thomas said he opposes the use of a 'neediness scale' when talking about vulnerable members of society: