A long-term policy of many parties has been to harmonise social welfare policy and the taxation system. That is now possible for the first time because of the introduction of taxation credits. It could be argued that every citizen, regardless of his age, employment status or marital status, should be able to know the basic financial input to which he is entitled on this basis. The introduction of taxation credits affords the Minister an opportunity to introduce substantial reform of social welfare policy over the remainder of her term in office. She should spend time doing this.