Blog

Welcome to the JRF blog, where our experts comment on topical social issues and new research on the themes of poverty, place and ageing society. We encourage comments and discussion – please read our comments policy.

Rising child poverty rates would displease Margaret Thatcher

by Chris Goulden

'Absolute' child and pensioner poverty fell between 1979 and 1996, but that trend faces a dramatic reversal, says Chris Goulden.

#IDS debate ignores long-term effects of austerity

by Helen Barnard

Working or not, it's the long-term situation that's hitting the poorest hardest, says Helen Barnard.

Council Tax Benefit Reform Creates Postcode Lottery for Poorest

by Sabrina Bushe

From Monday new local schemes for council tax support come into force. Sabrina Bushe argues the changes create a postcode lottery, with more than two million poor families paying the price. 

When a housing bubble bursts, we face human tragedy and an economic nightmare

by Julia Unwin

Budget 2013 sought to boost the economy and housing market. But as Julia Unwin argues, the lack of measures to increase supply and improve safety nets could repeat mistakes from the past.

Personal tragedies tell story of policy failures in Northern Ireland

by Quintin Oliver

'Real people' are the symbols of collective failure to tackle poverty, says Quintin Oliver.

We need more clarity from Cameron on immigration

by Emma Stone

The response to immigration risks equating migrants with freeloaders, says Emma Stone.

Poorest families lose the Budget 2013 childcare war

by Helen Barnard

The Budget announced measures to help parents pay for childcare. But those in most need miss out on the biggest chunk of the support, argues Helen Barnard.

#Budget2013 will not stem the rising tide of poverty

by Donald Hirsch

The Chancellor's childcare announcement made a welcome move to help with the cost of living, says Donald Hirsch. But for those on the lowest incomes, the direction has all been backwards.

Children to become first casualties from benefits uprating

by Conor D'Arcy

Measures announced in the Autumn Statement will push 200,000 children below the poverty line, says Conor Darcy.

How will we know if the 2013 budget is anti-poverty?

by Julia Unwin

Will the 2013 budget put the poorest people first, asks Julia Unwin.