A family stimulus: Supporting children, families and the economy through the pandemic
Article
Families in Britain are struggling. Although the job retention scheme and its scaled down successor, the job support scheme, have and will spare some job losses – without significant further government action next year, unemployment could more than double from pre-Covid-19 levels.
This paper makes the case for a “family stimulus” – a much-needed boost to the income of hard-hit families through the social security system and targeted investment in childcare to ensure the continued functioning of the sector.
This will put cash directly into the hands of families and provide a stimulus for the economy, whilst improving outcomes for children.
Related items

Taxing choices: Taking the public’s temperature ahead of the budget
The stakes for a government are rarely higher than at a budget. Every chancellor has dealt with this differently. Ken Clarke would draft his budget speech with cigars and whisky, Gordon Brown pored over every word in what officials called…
Great expectations: Rejuvenating the national debate in Scotland
Fresh IPPR Scotland polling shows that politicians must raise their game if next year’s election is a to be serious debate about the challenges facing Scotland and potential solutions.
Unfinished business: Redressing inequality in British policy and Black lives
As conversations about race and equality continue to evolve, Black History Month remains a powerful invitation to pause, reflect, and recommit to progress.