Tag Archives: welfare state

There’s something badly wrong with our welfare system

By Guest | Published: June 14, 2013

Today’s figures should open up debate on how to reform the current system of tax credits and benefits. What is clear is that more needs to be done to address the growing number of people who are actively contributing to society but yet are finding it increasingly difficult just to get by.

Posted in Sustainable Economy | Also tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Responses

Did the welfare bill really get out of control under Labour?

By Guest | Published: June 11, 2013

The idea that social security spending got out of control under Labour isn’t really backed up by Department of Work and Pensions evidence.

Posted in Sustainable Economy | Also tagged , , , , , , , | 28 Responses

Why ‘One Nation Social Security’ also needs a map and compass

By Guest | Published: June 7, 2013

In Ed Miliband’s speech on social security yesterday, he set out a number of ways in which the present system pays for failure: having too many people in long-term unemployment; subsidising low paid work; subsidising rents rather than building homes; and not recognising contribution.

Posted in Good Society | Also tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Two cheers for Ed Miliband’s shift on welfare. He’s missing something, though

By James Bloodworth | Published: June 6, 2013

In a speech today at Newham Dockside, Ed Miliband will tackle head on the attempts to brand Labour the party of welfare, and will say that controlling social security spending and putting decent values at the heart of the system are “not conflicting priorities”.

Posted in Good Society | Also tagged , , , , , , , , | 17 Responses

Five things the coalition won’t tell you about Universal Credit

By James Bloodworth | Published: April 29, 2013

The professed aim of the introduction of Universal Credit is to boost the personal responsibility of claimants, smooth the passage to work and prepare out-of-work claimants for their next job. There are a number of problems with Universal Credit, however – problems which haven’t been given anywhere near the amount of coverage by the press that they warrant.

Posted in Good Society | Also tagged , | 32 Responses

Progressives can win the debate on welfare

By James Bloodworth | Published: February 20, 2013

It’s regularly assumed that progressives can’t win the debate on welfare, and must outflank conservative opinion from the right. But looking at polling data more closely, this might not be the case.

Posted in Left Foot Forward | Also tagged , , , | 11 Responses

Welsh low-middle income families hit hardest by welfare reforms

By Ed Jacobs | Published: February 19, 2013

The coalition’s government’s welfare reforms will hit low-middle income families in Wales the hardest, according to a report produced for the Welsh government.

Posted in Good Society | Also tagged , , | Leave a comment

Majority of public want to maintain or increase welfare spending, according to new poll

By Left Foot Forward | Published: February 18, 2013

The public want more, not less, spent on welfare, the NHS and education, according to a new poll by ComRes for ITV.

Posted in Good Society | Also tagged , , | 8 Responses

Busting the means testing myth

By Guest | Published: January 26, 2012

Andrew Harrop presents the evidence against increasing means-testing – universalism is the key to ensuring a well-funded welfare state.

Posted in Social Justice | Also tagged , , , , , , , | 38 Responses

‘Downsizing’ the housing strategy

By Kevin Gulliver | Published: January 21, 2012

Kevin Gulliver examines Grant Shapps’ housing plan and finds it lacking

Posted in Social Justice | Also tagged , , , , , | 20 Responses