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An opinion poll conducted for The Future State Of Welfare with John Humphrys (9.00 pm, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, Thursday 27 October 2011) finds that an overwhelming majority of people in Britain say there must be a benefits safety net – but many do not think that the system works properly and want to see more conditions attached to payments.

• 92% agreed that we must have a benefits system that provides a safety net for everyone who needs it. Only 4% disagreed.

However, many doubt whether the UK benefits system works effectively.

• 63% think it does not (23% think it does).
• 72% say that politicians should do more to cut the benefits bill (15% think they should not).
• 76% say that some groups of people should have their benefits cut (9% are against this idea).

Respondents were asked about specific benefits.

• 84% want to see stricter testing for incapacity benefits (10% do not).
• 78% think job seekers should lose some of their benefits if they refuse work they are capable of doing (16% do not).
• 62% want to see benefits capped for people who have 'too many children' (27% do not).
• 57% thought those on housing benefit who live in expensive areas should be forced to move (29% do not).

Base: 1,003 British adults aged 18+: 16-18 September 2011.

Part of the sample was asked which one, if any, of the following groups should be the highest priority to have their benefits cut – respondents say:

• Immigrants – 35%
• People claiming over £400 a week in housing benefit – 27%
• The long-term unemployed – 25%
• People on incapacity benefits – 4%
• Lone parents – 2%
• Other – 1%
• None – 3%
• Don't know – 4%

Base 768 British adults aged 18+ who agree: "that there are some groups of people who claim benefits who should have their benefits cut." 16-18 September 2011.

Poll conducted by telephone for the ´óÏó´«Ã½ by Ipsos MORI – 16-18 September 2011. Data have been weighted to the known profile of the population.

The Future State Of Welfare with John Humphrys (9.00 pm, ´óÏó´«Ã½ Two, Thursday 27 October 2011).

HD