In a number of newspapers today, I am quoted accusing the government of ‘family bashing’ with reference to its decision … Continue reading “Taking a benefits system from bad to worse – the coalition’s child benefit policy”

Given an expected unemployment rate of 8.7% for this year, it is a bit surprising that the Budget’s sub-subchapter on … Continue reading “How the Budget 2012 will affect work incentives”

The government’s proposed £26,000 cap on benefits for those out of work applies irrespective of circumstances and the family’s history. … Continue reading “The benefits cap is popular – but it isn’t right”

Swinging the axe on benefits and tax credits is no longer taboo after the coalition’s announcements that these spending areas will … Continue reading “Transfer addiction: transparency would ease the cold turkey”

The appropriate context for the term “breeding” is surely documentary films about wildlife, not welfare policy debates. Moreover, it is … Continue reading “Howard Flight and the unpleasant facts about welfare dependency”

The UK does not have particularly high economic inactivity rates. Large numbers of women tend to work and worklessness amongst … Continue reading “The Big Society starts at home – let’s stop penalising “coupling””

Yesterday, the coalition announced that Child Benefit (CB) will be scrapped for families where one member belongs to the higher-rate … Continue reading “Child Benefit: do George Osborne and Iain Duncan Smith talk to each other?”

Swinging the axe on benefits and tax credits is no longer taboo after the coalition’s announcements that these spending areas will … Continue reading “Transfer addiction: transparency would ease the cold turkey”