27:1 issue contents - Universalism and the Welfare State

Article

Austerity has failed. And Covid-19 now presents us with the biggest challenge in 70 years. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the last crisis. We need a different approach – one that recognises the importance of a strong social contract and a state capable of upholding it.

This issue tackles some of the questions underlying the welfare debate: what would a stronger social contract look like? Is a more universalist approach desirable? And how do we build the political support to get there?

Contents

Related items

  1. A mother and child from behind looking out of a window

    Restoring security: Understanding the effects of removing the two-child limit across the UK

    The government’s decision to lift the two-child limit marks one of the most significant changes to the social security system in a decade.
  2. A group of healthcare professionals sitting in a staff common room in a hospital in Newcastle

    Building a healthier, wealthier Britain: Launching the IPPR Centre for Health and Prosperity

    Following the success of our Commission on Health and Prosperity, IPPR is excited to launch the Centre for Health and Prosperity.
  3. The Home Office building in London

    A ‘paradigm shift’ in asylum and immigration policy?

    In 2019, a package of asylum reforms known as the ‘paradigm shift’ was passed by a broad party consensus in the Danish parliament.