Jim, I'm sorry to spoil your illusion, but the "public" now have rights and a large number of them make full use of these rights to get as much as they can.

There are dozens of examples that I could quote, as a friend works in the "care industry"

One disabled person a few months ago received full social funding to erect a substantial access ramp to his front door. The cost was over £10,000, but on completion of the work the "customer" complained that the ramping must be continued right round the house to aloe separate access to the back door.....he threatened action on alleged discrimination when the funding was refused....and almost immediately the ramp was extended at a further cost of £25,000.

The cost to the taxpayer of care for the elderly is colossal...due in no small part to the lack of any sort of responsibility by family members.....let the social take care of it.