Posts Tagged “universal benefits”
While David Cameron and Owen Jones unite in favour of universal benefits, I want us to get explicit about why redistribution matters to society
by Stephen Tall on April 30, 2013
It’s an odd coalition: left-wing commentator Owen Jones and Tory leader David Cameron united as one. Yet that unlikely alliance was formed yesterday, as both defended universal benefits for wealthy pensioners and both fought shy of asserting the importance of redistribution. David Cameron’s defence was in response to Iain Duncan Smith’s rather odd suggestion that [...]
Welfare reform: what should the Lib Dems do?
by Stephen Tall on April 8, 2013
This much I think I know… Cuts to the overall welfare budget are inescapable: it accounts for too large a chunk of of public spending for it to be immune — certainly if the NHS, schools and overseas aid budgets are to be protected at the same time as spending is reduced. These cuts would [...]
Liberal Hero of the Week #22: Chris Skidmore MP
by Stephen Tall on November 22, 2012
Welcome to the 22nd in our series, Liberal Hero of the Week, chosen by Stephen Tall, Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, and Research Associate at CentreForum. ’Liberal Heroes’ showcases those who promote the four liberal tenets identified in The Orange Book — economic, personal, political and social liberalism — highlighting individuals regardless of party affiliation and from [...]
Huhne scorns tax breaks for married couples as “flag-waving”
by Stephen Tall on October 9, 2010
Today’s Telegraph has an in-depth interview with the Lib Dems’ climate change and energy secretary Chris Huhne, in which he expertly steers the tightrope of punchily sticking up for party policy while sticking well within collective responsibility. Somewhat bizarrely, both the BBC and the Torygraph are leading on the least contentious part of the interview, [...]
Clegg gets specific on cuts: Lib Dems to cut winter fuel payments for under-65s
by Stephen Tall on March 22, 2010
So reports the BBC:
The Liberal Democrats have said if they won power they would stop the winter fuel allowance for people under 65. Anyone aged 60 can claim the allowance, worth £125 to £400, but the minimum age is due to rise to 65 in 10 years’ time.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said his party [...]
