National says the government is doing a "lousy" job with its much vaunted reforms of the welfare system.
Figures released yesterday show the number of people on the benefit is increasing - up five percent - and special needs grants continue to increase.
Add to that the Ministry of Social Development has admitted that skyrocketing demand for hardship grants means Work and Income case managers haven't been able to spend as much time getting people into jobs.
National's Social Development spokesperson Louise Upston told our social issues reporter Sarah Robson that the government has only managed three out of 42 reforms recommended by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group - and their focus is wrong.
