The idea that people out of work should not get more in benefits than those in work seems intrinsically fair. But in practice the benefits cap has many flaws Read more
The ‘bedroom tax’ is a blunt instrument with which to cut housing benefit and reduce under-occupation of accommodation. The evidence for its effectiveness just doesn’t stack up Read more
Today’s loss of child benefit for higher earners is less important than the cuts in income for poor families that will be heralded by tomorrow’s benefits uprating bill Read more
The DCLG’s ’50 ways to save’ suggestions are at best obvious, and at worst will undermine vital local services and charities Read more
A row is brewing over the Welfare Uprating Bill, following Osborne’s decision to downgrade benefit payments. It’s a chance to nail the myths about ‘shirkers’ vs workers Read more
Household poverty is complex, varied and often hidden from public view. Government policies need to be adapted accordingly Read more
One of the biggest barriers to decent social care is the lack of suitably adapted housing. Ministers need to do some more joined-up practice in this area Read more
Recycling old arguments against the Living Wage, on the grounds of affordability, misses the point about the real solutions to poverty Read more
Pitting one set of benefit claimants against another is a dangerous game. What’s needed is a welfare system that is fairer all round Read more
For the Treasury, the Universal Credit is looking like an unaffordable vanity project, at a time when squeezing £10bn from benefits would come in handy. IDS disagrees Read more
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