Resolution Foundation: restore work allowances.
Working families on low-to-middle income have not fared well for years.
In advice to the chancellor* ahead of the Autumn Statement (23 November) Resolution Foundation points out that their average incomes were no higher in 2014-15 than 2004-05.
The prime minister says her government will work for everyone. Resolution shows that in the coming years the ‘just managing’ could fall even further behind.
First, Brexit-related problems, including higher inflation and lower productivity, will likely raise pressure on scarce resources. Second, planned cuts to in-work benefit will soon take effect.
Using the Statement to improve the outlook for this group would be good economics and the right thing to do. The chancellor should look again at:
At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead many of the people who visit us to ask for help are on low incomes (this is true of CABs across the country**).
We strongly support the Resolution Foundation case. As always they bring hard data and realism to the service of an important social aim.
* Under New Management Resolution Foundation 07/11/16
** Impact Team – Local Citizens Advice Income Profile June 2015