According to the Centre for Policy Studies, 40% of non-retired households in 2010/11 received more in benefits than they paid in taxes.
In 1979 the figure was 32% and in 2000 just 29% got more from the state than they paid in.
With new headline grabbing allowances and benefits, like the 5-year interest-free 20% loan to buy a new home and child care payments the number can only increase.
So why do the poorest still feel poor?
