WIREDGOV

Responding to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Christian Guy, Managing Director at the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), said:

“For too long the welfare system in Britain has sent strange signals and undermined the idea that work should always pay. No-one should celebrate further welfare reductions and there are no easy targets left to cut from the working age budget, but when benefits have risen much faster than wages in the last year there is a need rebalance that to an extent.

“The welfare system should support those who need help and cannot work, and it should support people who can work into it. When Universal Credit, which was designed at the CSJ, is implemented it will make it easier for people to get into work and keep more of their earnings. Crucially, it will tackle the welfare trap that restricts Britain’s economy and damages people’s lives.

“In pursuing further welfare savings, however, the CSJ will continue to call on the Government to put the pensionable age budget on the table – it is unfair that when the majority of working age payments are being cut, key universal benefits to wealthy pensioners remain untouched. In times of national emergency, better off pensioners should not be getting benefits that they do not need.”

The CSJ has also expressed disappointment that the Autumn Statement did not include an announcement on transferable tax allowance for married couples.

Mr Guy added: “The Government said it would introduce a transferable tax allowance for married couples, it is disappointing that this pledge has still to be fulfilled as it is shown that it would have a positive impact on the incomes of the poorest working households. It would also play a part in tackling the perverse incentives which currently persuade many people on low incomes to reject couple formation and the stability of marriage.”

For media inquiries, please contact Nick Wood, or Alistair Thompson of Media Intelligence Partners Ltd on 07889 617003, 0203 008 8146, 0203 008 8145, or 0797 016 2225, or Ross Reid of the CSJ on 07780 707322, or 0207 592 1160

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) is an independent think tank established in 2004 to put social justice at the heart of British politics. In 2007 the CSJ published its landmark report, Breakthrough Britain. This publication, which set out 190 evidence-based policy recommendations to tackle poverty in Britain, transformed the social policy and political landscape and was awarded Publication of the Year by Prospect Magazine in 2008. Since Breakthrough Britain the CSJ has published over 40 reports which have shaped government policy and influenced opposition parties. These have included the seminal papers Dying To Belong and Dynamic Benefits, which has led the Coalition Government’s welfare reforms. Further to this, the CSJ manages an Alliance of over 300 of the most effective grass roots, poverty-fighting organisations.

The CSJ is able to draw upon the expertise and experience of Alliance charities for research work and media inquiries. Journalists wishing to conduct grass-roots research into social problems can be put in touch with front-line charity directors and staff.