Tag Archives: Child benefit

Britain’s Old Age Pension: From altruism to bribery

Posted on September 24, 2025 by odeboyz

The Old Age Pension Act (OAP), 1908, was an altruistic reward for good paupers. It was intended to give dignity to their final years but it wasn’t an entitlement. There were eligibility rules to be met before receiving the OAP. … Continue reading →

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Rishi Sunak: Scourge of the Middle Classes

Posted on May 5, 2022 by odeboyz

Chancellor Sunak has increased taxation from income, which will alienate Conservative middle-class voters. Problem? No way. Adroit political footwork and the magic of inflation will square the political circle. Quietly, without fanfare, and with deadly efficiency Sunak created additional income … Continue reading →

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George Osborne, child benefit and the Conservative hard-right 2010-7

Posted on May 5, 2017 by odeboyz

Hard-right chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne (2010-6) used the 2008 financial crash to reduce some British welfare payments. His ideological austerity programme was combined with political pragmatism. Child Benefit, which is paid to mothers as a tax free sum, … Continue reading →

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George Osborne’s Politicisation of Welfare in Britain 2010-15

Posted on October 30, 2015 by odeboyz

The Coalition government 2010-15 effectively won the economic argument that the British welfare budget had ballooned out of control in the Labour era (1997-2010). This intellectual and political victory produced the brilliant rhetorical flourish from the Chancellor ‘We’re all in … Continue reading →

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