What are the advantages and disadvantages of a) Universalism and b) Selectivism in the delivery of welfare services and benefits?

Before we move forward to offer any sentient arguments concerning the advantages or disadvantages of either universalist or selectivist forms of welfare and benefits provision we believe it pertinent to explain the ideology surrounding these particular systems in Britain today. It is only by understanding the aims and objectives of the welfare system as a whole that we are able to evaluate the particular methods of delivery. Although we acknowledge the many arguments concerning the whole issue of whether or not welfare and benefits should be provided at all to individuals, this paper will purely attempt to provide answers to the question posed….(short extract)