Lalitha Try
@lalithatry.bsky.social
Economist at the Resolution Foundation working on improving living standards and reducing poverty
In case you missed it, modifying the two-child limit won't reduce poverty by the end of the parliament, but scrapping it will. The first thing any meaningful child poverty strategy needs to do is scrap the two-child limit.
This is not the time for half measures.
@alexclegg.bsky.social explains why the Government should fully repeal the two child limit on benefits, as part of their upcoming Child Poverty Strategy ⤵️
@alexclegg.bsky.social explains why the Government should fully repeal the two child limit on benefits, as part of their upcoming Child Poverty Strategy ⤵️
October 31, 2025 at 12:06 PM
In case you missed it, modifying the two-child limit won't reduce poverty by the end of the parliament, but scrapping it will. The first thing any meaningful child poverty strategy needs to do is scrap the two-child limit.
Reposted by Lalitha Try
New @resfoundation.bsky.social analysis: Any of the rumoured half-measure options for repealing the two-child limit would leave child poverty HIGHER at the end of the Parliament than it was when the Government took power. 🧵https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/no-half-measures/
No half measures • Resolution Foundation
The Government’s long-awaited Child Poverty Strategy is due next month, close to, or contemporaneous with, the Autumn Budget. There have been some welcome announcements already: the over-indexation of...
www.resolutionfoundation.org
October 30, 2025 at 9:09 AM
New @resfoundation.bsky.social analysis: Any of the rumoured half-measure options for repealing the two-child limit would leave child poverty HIGHER at the end of the Parliament than it was when the Government took power. 🧵https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/no-half-measures/
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Real incomes for lower-income households have likely fallen this year, but a 6.2% rise in UC standard allowances next April should contribute to better news in 2026-27
The increase in UC is desperately needed: the value of the UC standard allowance fell by 10 per cent in real-terms between 2012-13 and 2025-26; the April 2026 increase of 6.2 per cent will undo just two-fifths of that fall (40 per cent).
October 23, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Real incomes for lower-income households have likely fallen this year, but a 6.2% rise in UC standard allowances next April should contribute to better news in 2026-27
New spotlight from me covering what the latest inflation data means for benefit uprating out now. Here’s a quick summary:
October 23, 2025 at 8:16 AM
New spotlight from me covering what the latest inflation data means for benefit uprating out now. Here’s a quick summary:
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Today’s data show that a weakening jobs market is feeding through into pay. Depressing stat of the day: real weekly wages have increased by just £1.50 since Sep 2024. Here is our thread (from me and @hannahslaughter.bsky.social).
October 14, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Today’s data show that a weakening jobs market is feeding through into pay. Depressing stat of the day: real weekly wages have increased by just £1.50 since Sep 2024. Here is our thread (from me and @hannahslaughter.bsky.social).
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Very encouraging to read that the Government is preparing to lift the two-child limit as part of its child poverty strategy, but it is disheartening that options short of scrapping it entirely are still being considered. Thread on why this would be the wrong choice for an ambitious strategy:
Rachel Reeves to lift two-child benefit cap in November budget
Exclusive: Officials exploring options to change rule that affected 1.7 million children in Great Britain last year
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Very encouraging to read that the Government is preparing to lift the two-child limit as part of its child poverty strategy, but it is disheartening that options short of scrapping it entirely are still being considered. Thread on why this would be the wrong choice for an ambitious strategy:
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Good news that the Govt will offer more support to young people who are out of work.
But while there are almost a million NEET young people, the support announced today (focusing just on 18-21-year-olds who are long-term unemployed and claiming UC) will reach less than 5% of this group...
But while there are almost a million NEET young people, the support announced today (focusing just on 18-21-year-olds who are long-term unemployed and claiming UC) will reach less than 5% of this group...
September 29, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Good news that the Govt will offer more support to young people who are out of work.
But while there are almost a million NEET young people, the support announced today (focusing just on 18-21-year-olds who are long-term unemployed and claiming UC) will reach less than 5% of this group...
But while there are almost a million NEET young people, the support announced today (focusing just on 18-21-year-olds who are long-term unemployed and claiming UC) will reach less than 5% of this group...
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Amid reports that MPs and an advisory taskforce will recommend scrapping the two-child limit on benefits, it's worth noting that this step would be the most targeted and cost-effective way for the Government to meet its aim of reducing child poverty ⤵️
September 25, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Amid reports that MPs and an advisory taskforce will recommend scrapping the two-child limit on benefits, it's worth noting that this step would be the most targeted and cost-effective way for the Government to meet its aim of reducing child poverty ⤵️
Some new ONS data came out on spending yesterday, covering the financial year 2023-24. What happened to spending that year, and can we trust the data? Quick thread:
September 11, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Some new ONS data came out on spending yesterday, covering the financial year 2023-24. What happened to spending that year, and can we trust the data? Quick thread:
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Council Tax arrears in England have risen by almost a half since before the pandemic.
Arrears continued to rise during the cost of living crisis - with £445 million added to England’s stock of arrears between 2023-24 and 2024-25. That's much greater than the rise seen after the financial crisis.
Arrears continued to rise during the cost of living crisis - with £445 million added to England’s stock of arrears between 2023-24 and 2024-25. That's much greater than the rise seen after the financial crisis.
September 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Council Tax arrears in England have risen by almost a half since before the pandemic.
Arrears continued to rise during the cost of living crisis - with £445 million added to England’s stock of arrears between 2023-24 and 2024-25. That's much greater than the rise seen after the financial crisis.
Arrears continued to rise during the cost of living crisis - with £445 million added to England’s stock of arrears between 2023-24 and 2024-25. That's much greater than the rise seen after the financial crisis.
Reposted by Lalitha Try
We're hiring for *three* roles in the RF research team, at a range of levels from entry to experienced. Deadline for all three is 19th September. More details in the link below 👇
📣Ready for your next step? We're hiring for three exciting roles! 📣
Find out more and apply now ➡️ buff.ly/GPBwRkS
Find out more and apply now ➡️ buff.ly/GPBwRkS
August 29, 2025 at 9:09 AM
We're hiring for *three* roles in the RF research team, at a range of levels from entry to experienced. Deadline for all three is 19th September. More details in the link below 👇
Here's some info on today's inflation release from James and me. What is particularly concerning from this data is that last month, food inflation rose to almost 5% - which is especially bad for low-income households, who spend a high proportion of their total spending on food.
Disappointingish @ONS inflation data this morning with CPI up 3.8% in July (3.6% in June), slightly above market expectations. Some of this is erratic airfares, but UK is increasingly looking like an inflation outlier. Thread on on all that to follow…
August 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Here's some info on today's inflation release from James and me. What is particularly concerning from this data is that last month, food inflation rose to almost 5% - which is especially bad for low-income households, who spend a high proportion of their total spending on food.
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Rising energy prices have led to lower-income families having their finances squeezed as more of their budgets are spent on essentials.
@lalithatry.bsky.social of @resfoundation.bsky.social shares findings from a recent report on the cost of essentials 👇
resolvepoverty.org/the-bare-necessities/
@lalithatry.bsky.social of @resfoundation.bsky.social shares findings from a recent report on the cost of essentials 👇
resolvepoverty.org/the-bare-necessities/
The bare necessities - Resolve Poverty
Rising energy prices have led to families having their finances squeezed as more of their budgets are spent on essentials.
resolvepoverty.org
August 11, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Rising energy prices have led to lower-income families having their finances squeezed as more of their budgets are spent on essentials.
@lalithatry.bsky.social of @resfoundation.bsky.social shares findings from a recent report on the cost of essentials 👇
resolvepoverty.org/the-bare-necessities/
@lalithatry.bsky.social of @resfoundation.bsky.social shares findings from a recent report on the cost of essentials 👇
resolvepoverty.org/the-bare-necessities/
Surprise ONS inflation data today, showing that CPI inflation rose to 3.6% in June from 3.4% in May, 0.2ppts higher than forecast by the BoE. Here's a thread on what is driving this:
July 16, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Surprise ONS inflation data today, showing that CPI inflation rose to 3.6% in June from 3.4% in May, 0.2ppts higher than forecast by the BoE. Here's a thread on what is driving this:
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Expectations vs reality
July 2, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Expectations vs reality
New research out from @simonpittaway.bsky.social and me looking at the cost of essentials in Britain. We dig into the rising weight of essentials in family budgets, what that means for life on low incomes, and what the Government should do about it. 🧵
July 1, 2025 at 9:29 AM
New research out from @simonpittaway.bsky.social and me looking at the cost of essentials in Britain. We dig into the rising weight of essentials in family budgets, what that means for life on low incomes, and what the Government should do about it. 🧵
Reposted by Lalitha Try
There’s long been a serious squeeze on the lowest disposable incomes
In the last 5 years the rising cost of essentials & associated slanted inflation have added a nasty twist
Enjoyed helping out on this important report from @lalithatry.bsky.social & @simonpittaway.bsky.social
In the last 5 years the rising cost of essentials & associated slanted inflation have added a nasty twist
Enjoyed helping out on this important report from @lalithatry.bsky.social & @simonpittaway.bsky.social
🚨 New research published today! 🚨
Rising energy prices have led to a ‘comfort crunch’ as families spend more of their budgets on essentials.
Read Bare necessities now ⤵️ buff.ly/fCKt988
Rising energy prices have led to a ‘comfort crunch’ as families spend more of their budgets on essentials.
Read Bare necessities now ⤵️ buff.ly/fCKt988
June 30, 2025 at 7:15 AM
There’s long been a serious squeeze on the lowest disposable incomes
In the last 5 years the rising cost of essentials & associated slanted inflation have added a nasty twist
Enjoyed helping out on this important report from @lalithatry.bsky.social & @simonpittaway.bsky.social
In the last 5 years the rising cost of essentials & associated slanted inflation have added a nasty twist
Enjoyed helping out on this important report from @lalithatry.bsky.social & @simonpittaway.bsky.social
Really excited to publish a new report from me and @simonpittaway.bsky.social on Monday, all about the cost of essentials and policies that would help low-income families afford them. The event should be a very interesting watch!
How are the cost of essentials affecting low-to-middle-income families across Britain?
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
June 27, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Really excited to publish a new report from me and @simonpittaway.bsky.social on Monday, all about the cost of essentials and policies that would help low-income families afford them. The event should be a very interesting watch!
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect.
slate.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Thanks for the reminder @janemunday.bsky.social. Every summer, I repost this article DROWNING DOES NOT LOOK LIKE DROWNING. To date, I know of FOUR kids who were saved after someone who'd clicked on the link learnt how to spot actual drowning. Take time to read and pass on.
slate.com/technology/2...
slate.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Lalitha Try
The Household Support Fund is now the 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' and will be funded at £1 bn/yr (incl. Barnett) until the end of 2028-29. The first multi-year funding will be very helpful for local authorities delivering the scheme as they can now plan, develop their approach, retain staff etc.
June 11, 2025 at 12:49 PM
The Household Support Fund is now the 'Crisis and Resilience Fund' and will be funded at £1 bn/yr (incl. Barnett) until the end of 2028-29. The first multi-year funding will be very helpful for local authorities delivering the scheme as they can now plan, develop their approach, retain staff etc.
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Today we’ve published research on rumoured options for easing the 2-child limit without fully scrapping it. In short, none of the options rumoured to be on the table is an acceptable solution and most would bring cliff edges or distortions into the system www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...
Limited ambition? • Resolution Foundation
Abolishing the two-child limit would be the most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty; if it is not scrapped, we project that 4.8 million children (34 per cent) will be in poverty by 2029-30, in...
www.resolutionfoundation.org
May 16, 2025 at 9:37 AM
Today we’ve published research on rumoured options for easing the 2-child limit without fully scrapping it. In short, none of the options rumoured to be on the table is an acceptable solution and most would bring cliff edges or distortions into the system www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...
Reposted by Lalitha Try
Welcome downside surprise in UK inflation this morning as CPI falls to 2.6% in March (from 2.8% in February). Next month we'll get a big jump up in inflation and where it goes after that will depend to a large extent on tariffs. A thread on all that to follow...
April 16, 2025 at 6:19 AM
Welcome downside surprise in UK inflation this morning as CPI falls to 2.6% in March (from 2.8% in February). Next month we'll get a big jump up in inflation and where it goes after that will depend to a large extent on tariffs. A thread on all that to follow...
New @resfoundation.bsky.social briefing out from me and @adamcorlett.bsky.social today on the impact of tax, benefit and household bill changes happening this month on household incomes! Here's a quick 🧵on the key findings: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...
Happy new tax year 2025 • Resolution Foundation
April brings with it a series of tax, benefit and bill rises. We examine what these changes will mean for households and the overall outlook for disposable incomes in 2025-26.
www.resolutionfoundation.org
April 3, 2025 at 9:03 AM
New @resfoundation.bsky.social briefing out from me and @adamcorlett.bsky.social today on the impact of tax, benefit and household bill changes happening this month on household incomes! Here's a quick 🧵on the key findings: www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...
Reposted by Lalitha Try
2023-24 poverty stats out today. The data is noisy, but since 2020 we've had three years in a row of:
• rising absolute poverty
• rising food insecurity, now up to 7.5 million people
• rising child relative poverty, now up to almost 4.5 million children, adding pressure to the Child Poverty Strategy
• rising absolute poverty
• rising food insecurity, now up to 7.5 million people
• rising child relative poverty, now up to almost 4.5 million children, adding pressure to the Child Poverty Strategy
March 27, 2025 at 12:38 PM
2023-24 poverty stats out today. The data is noisy, but since 2020 we've had three years in a row of:
• rising absolute poverty
• rising food insecurity, now up to 7.5 million people
• rising child relative poverty, now up to almost 4.5 million children, adding pressure to the Child Poverty Strategy
• rising absolute poverty
• rising food insecurity, now up to 7.5 million people
• rising child relative poverty, now up to almost 4.5 million children, adding pressure to the Child Poverty Strategy
Our @resfoundation.bsky.social overnight response document is out now! Spoilers: the outlook's looking pretty dire for low-to-middle income households, especially households with a disabled person in www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...
Unsung Britain bears the brunt • Resolution Foundation
This briefing note analyses the choices the Government has made in the context of an awkward backdrop to the 2025 Spring Statement.
www.resolutionfoundation.org
March 27, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Our @resfoundation.bsky.social overnight response document is out now! Spoilers: the outlook's looking pretty dire for low-to-middle income households, especially households with a disabled person in www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications...