AFTER waiting 14 years for the opportunity to celebrate being in power, it will be a matter of regret for many Conservatives that their party conference has been overshadowed by the controversy over child benefit cuts.

David Cameron has been forced on to the defensive, with even The Daily Telegraph describing the child benefit announcement as “ham-fisted”

and an attack on middle England that could cost the Government dear in the difficult months ahead.

We have already made our position clear on the child benefit cut announcement. It is unfair and illogical to target single-earners with salaries of £43,875, while leaving double-earners with joint incomes of £87,000 untouched.

That said, we do not have any disagreement with the coalition Government’s wider mission to root out benefit scroungers who take advantage of state handouts because it is easier than working.

We have people in this country who are getting away with sitting on their backsides and cashing cheques from the Government because it is simply more lucrative than going to work.

They have the brass neck to appear on television shows and look into the camera and say: “Why should I go to work and be told what to do and earn less than I can earn on the dole?”

The benefits system should be there for those who genuinely need help – not those who are capable of working but would rather sponge off hardworking taxpayers.

We have questioned Mr Cameron over child benefit, but we support his determination to make it harder to work the system.