The Government is profoundly aware of the fact that many sectors of our society still need substantial assistance if they are to benefit from the major improvements in our economy and society in recent years. In Government, we have implemented the largest series of social welfare and child benefit increases in the history of this country. Because of our prudent management of the finances, and in turn the constant review and updating of social welfare schemes in line with my duty of care to ensure that limited resources are spent on those most in need next year, there will be record spending on health, education and social welfare. In fact, two thirds of total Government spending next year will go on these three areas of social spending. Never before has so much money been allocated to these three areas and never before has a Government put such an emphasis on the social agenda. Furthermore, this Government has made significant commitments under Sustaining Progress on the lowest rates of social welfare as well as commitments to pensioners and carers.