You don't need to go far back in history to see what lay behind the creation of the Welfare State, indeed for some it is still within living memory. But quite what the architects who drew it up after the end of the Second World War would make of it now defies any description.

Figures were released last week that highlighted just how much money this bloated, poorly audited and easily abused system devours each year. And in a series of numbers that beggared belief, one shone out: the number of claimants receiving Universal Credit has reached an astonishing EIGHT million. That's double the size of the population of Los Angeles and not far short of that for the whole of Belgium!

This government was elected on a promise of "change" and in this area they pledged reform as Labour correctly identified growing public anger at the increasing number of people who were finding it easier to shirk rather than work. And yet in their little over 12-months in office, the number has soared by an extra one MILLION.

But perhaps the most distressing part of this shocking statistic is that almost half of that figure, 3.7 million, are on what is known as "no work" dole. This means not only are they obviously not in work, but there is also no requirement whatsoever for them to try and seek work.

For some, such as those of pensionable age or with physical or mental disabilities, this is wholly justifiable. But when a closer look shows the number of 55 to 59-year-olds has risen by 64 per cent to 426,000, no one should be fooled that they are all genuine claimants.

What was designed to be a sort of 'safety net' if you lost your job or hit hard times has now been allowed to be a lifestyle choice, most likely for millions. And, candidly, why would anyone stand in the pouring rain waiting for a bus that is running late and is full, to go to work for a boss they don't like and a company they couldn't give a hoot about! Instead, they can stay at home and "live off the social."

As we discussed this on my radio breakfast show listeners called in with stories that shocked and sickened in equal measure. They told of relatives gaming the system with neither shame nor scrutiny. Since the pandemic the number of face-to-face interviews has collapsed and there are thought to be hundreds of thousands of claimants who have never been seen in person.

And if you think after all their promises that this government is going to crack down on this widespread abuse, then you need to think again. Remember how it balked and cowered at the backbench rebellion when it tried to implement gentle reforms that wouldn't have taken place for years? A government with, at the last count, an almost unprecedented 155-seat majority but hobbled by a strident faction that has bought the age-old myth that, bizarrely a political party called 'Labour' is not about getting people back into work.

The launch of the welfare State in the 1940s by - it has to be noted - a Labour government followed the publication of a report identifying the "five giant evils" as they were called, namely disease, squalor, ignorance, want and idleness. It is beyond belief that the same system now actively strives to reward and enshrine the last of those malaises.

NURSE ATTACKS

The number of nurses being attacked in A and E is growing, a shrinking jobs market, an unstoppable stampede of illegal migrants, a sense of lawlessness as many crimes increase, a stagnant economy and a welfare system abused beyond all measure.

This after just over a year of a Labour administration.

Don't say you weren't warned.

TRUSS

Desperate to try and still appear relevant, Liz Truss has decided the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony did not display "the view of the average Briton." Yet, in 2019 she declared "we need to revive what I call the Olympics 2012 spirit."

Desperate doesn't get near describing this transparent tosh. The only question has to be: will it be the celebrity jungle or pantomime this winter for this failed Prime Minister, and one time MP?

SCHOOLS

As another report lays into how white working-class pupils are being written off by our state education system, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced non-binary teachers can demand pupils address them as "Mx" instead of Mr, Mrs, or Miss.

Good to know what's seen as a priority for our children.

SCOTLAND

Why the media obsession with failed Scottish leader and chippy truth-bender Nicola Sturgeon? On her watch, the education system in Scotland went from being among the best in Europe to a national scandal and men in some parts of the country have a lower life expectancy than in some poorer African countries.

She's also committed the cardinal sin of divulging private conversations with the late Queen.

Now she says she might leave the country "for a wee while."

Quick, guard every inch of Hadrian's Wall: "She shall not pass!"