A BOLTON MP claims the welfare system has failed too many of her constituents.

As the Government proposes wide-ranging changes to the system, Ruth Kelly says she wants a debate on the issue with the people she represents.

She has vowed that any comments she receives about the welfare reforms will be passed on to ministers.

It comes after the Government launched a Green Paper on welfare reforms aimed at getting more people back into work through the Welfare to Work initiative.

The Bolton West MP said: "The welfare state is failing far too many people in Bolton West. There are workless households with children being brought up in poverty and pensioners are having to live on income support.

"The Government has put forward new ideas to deal with the situation and are asking for the views of people here in Bolton West.

"I want the widest local debate about the plans. I'm inviting people in Bolton West to get in touch with me.

"I'll send them the details of what the Government is proposing and I'll make sure any comments I get back are sent to the Government."

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