It's a ritual

Did you know that the government has published a green paper on social security promising the reform of incapacity benefit? No, don't be silly, I am not talking about today's announcement - this green paper was published in January 2006. Here is an extract from the ministry's press release:

The paper seeks to end the legacy of benefit dependency and deprivation that can damage communities across Britain.
Our proposals provide a once in a generation opportunity to transform the welfare state. They build upon our principles for reform; rights and responsibilities providing the individual with the support they need to transform their own life-chances, and those of their family.
They include detailed proposals for:
- reforming incapacity benefits;
- a £360 million roll out of Pathways to Work across the country by 2008
- extending support to lone parents and older workers;

Sounds familiar? That's because every two years or so the government announces its intention to reform incapacity benefit. And today's the day, just as it was in January 2006. Incapacity benefit will be replaced (or at least re-named) and reformed. Somehow, however, that ol' man river, he just keeps rollin' along ...