The answer to abolishing the poverty trap is replacing welfare with a
flat tax credit payable to all regardless of income or employment
status. The credit would cover the basic price of rent, food, water,
fuel and care costs in the case of the disabled.

You could have a minimum five years legal residency limit, so new
immigrants don't go straight on the dole.

To cover the cost of this, a flat tax of 33%, no allowances (except
self-employment expenses)

As a further incentive to "be active", those of working age (mental
and physical condition permitting) , who are not employed,
volunteering or caring would have to study for a recognised
qualification.

Advantages

Vastly simplified tax accountancy.

Simplified benefit system

An end to all benefit fraud.

No one would lose a penny by taking work.

Students would get a living wage.

Care costs for the elderly would be completely free, so those who've
saved wouldn't lose out.

Unemployment would be wiped out. Everyone but the bedridden would be a
worker, a volunteer, a carer or a student