benefits
There’s something badly wrong with our welfare system
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.
Scottish independence poses risk to UK welfare system
Immediately separating the administration of the welfare system in the event of Scotland opting to become an independent state "would present serious risks to the continuity of payments to people in both Scotland and England", according to a new report.
Did the welfare bill really get out of control under Labour?
The idea that social security spending got out of control under Labour isn’t really backed up by Department of Work and Pensions evidence.
Why ‘One Nation Social Security’ also needs a map and compass
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.
Two cheers for Ed Miliband’s shift on welfare. He’s missing something, though
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".
Next time someone claims that immigrants are destroying Britain, show them this
Spoken word poet Hollie McNish spells out what's wrong with most of the arguments used against immigration. She cites as her inspiration a book by economist Philippe Legrain called Immigrants: Your Country Needs Them.