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Darling's anniversary

Article Abstract:

United Kingdom welfare reform has been less radical than is apparent from listening to government rhetoric. The chancellor, Gordon Brown, takes many major decisions on welfare. The rise in welfare spending is greater than is apparent from government figures if tax credits for working families and other measures are taken into account. Cost savings take a while to become apparent, and there is opposition within the ruling Labor Party to welfare cuts. The government is focusing on those on low incomes, and is prepared to force the unemployed to work.

Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs), Social Security

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Welfare to what?

Article Abstract:

A 'tax credit' for the poor has been recommended as a means to help welfare recipients make the transition to work. The tax credit would be similar to America's Earned Income Tax Credit. Hard choices the British government must face before implementing such a plan are discussed.

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Thinking the unthinkable: the welfare state

Article Abstract:

The UK spends 42% of its gross domestic product on public spending, and Prime Minister John Major wants to trim the amount to 35%. Society has changed, and health care, retirement and other benefits are becoming increasingly costly. Reform proposals are discussed.

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