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.

The bedroom tax ignores the link between home and health

by Karen Wilson

The emotional costs of 'bedroom tax' could far exceed savings in housing benefits, says Karen Wilson.

Our food supply chain is failing poorer people, as consumers and as workers

by Julia Unwin

Poorly paid workers and a poorly controlled food supply chain – is it any wonder that quality, choice and affordability can end up past their sell-by date?

Scotland vs England (in poverty stats) – you can't tackle poverty with high housing costs

by Gordon Hector

It's 6 Nations season, so I am naturally thinking a lot about England Vs Scotland. And leafing through our recent report looking at poverty trends in Scotland, one thing stands out compared with the situation south of the border: housing.

The horsemeat scandal must go beyond food safety – our food should also be slavery-free

by Louise Woodruff

The horsemeat scandal should be a catalyst for retailers and caterers to re-examine their supply chains and ensure our food is safe and slavery-free.

We need more evidence on child poverty, not a more confusing definition of it

by Kate Bell

JRF is arguing against a proposed new measure of child poverty that could confuse its causes and effects, as Kate Bell explains.

Static incomes + inflation = falling living standards

by Donald Hirsch

Donald Hirsch illustrates the effect of inflation on our real cash incomes.

Whatever you think marriage is for, it's no cure for poverty

by Helen Barnard

Debates on gay marriage and the purpose of matrimony miss the point – there are better ways to tackle poverty.

Who are the winners and losers under Dilnot's social care proposals?

by Emma Stone

A cap on care costs of £75,000 and a higher means-test threshold of £123,000 from 2017. What will this achieve?

A failure to fund social care shames us all

by Julia Unwin

Without an injection of cash and care, argues Julia Unwin, we’ll continue to house older people in hospitals.

'Policy laboratories’ needed in schools and communities

by David Egan

We need holistic policies to reduce poverty's influence on educational achievement, says David Egan.