When benefits rise without corresponding expectations or limits, the gap between being in work and relying on state support narrows. This can reduce incentives to increase working hours, seek higher-paid employment, or pursue training and education.
This “Brit Card” is a solution in search of a problem. Starmer may believe he’s modernising Britain, but in reality, he’s opening the door to a future where rights are conditional, privacy is optional, and liberty is just another government tickbox.
And how will the rest of the Cabinet feel about being forced to do the unpleasant work of finding savings on the basis of a gap in the public finances almost exactly the same size as the bung one of their colleagues is receiving for a pet project?
The impact that the new government will have Scotland will only be able to be fully assessed once the public see how Starmer balances his commitments to the UK as a whole with the political and economic realities in Scotland.
The Government plans to increase taxes by £8.5 billion in 2028-2029, but has ruled out raising any of the big revenue taxes such as Income Tax, National Insurance, and VAT.
They have the opportunity to present immediate and long-term solutions for the challenges facing the Health Service, including workforce and retention and mental health services.
In the short term, there is no escaping the need for more cash, both to improve staff retention rates and ensure jails are able to equip inmates for life on the outside.
Rachel Reeves’ big announcement centres around putting wind farms on par with solar farms and other energy projects. But in our planning system, not being banned is not the same as being built.
The Opposition on the other hand, have lots of plans but have yet to specify where the money will come from. Using private care to slash waiting lists sounds great, but will be very expensive.
Protecting children is a primary duty of the state, especially when parents are up against global corporations with resources and influence far beyond their own.