Liberalism is not opposed to the provision of security to those who are unable to care for themselves. What the liberal philosophy opposes is the idea that welfare is a universal necessity which must be satisfied even at the cost of limited individual freedom. The guarantee of a minimum income is compatible with economic freedom and the market order. It is justified on ethical as well as economic grounds. By alleviating poverty the society benefits economically.
Reduction of poverty increases the productive human resources and stimulates the market.
It promotes social harmony and the spiritual well-being of the community. But the alleviation of poverty is quite a different proposition to the egalitarian objective of the modern welfare state. The welfare state was built on the wealth generated by the growth of capitalism. Profits of private enterprise yielded the taxes which enabled governments to embark on their ambitious welfare programs. However, the wheel has now turned.