Is its success in redistributing towards the poor the only, or even, the main criterion we should use  in evaluating the impact of the welfare state? Does it matter that some of those with middle or...

Is its success in redistributing towards the poor the only, or even, the main criterion we should use  in evaluating the impact of the welfare state? Does it matter that some of those with middle or high incomes receive cash benefits and use services like the NHS and state education, so long as they pay in more for them through the tax system?