YouTube video by Simon Clark

Last week the Government published it’s Impact Assessment (IA) alongside the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, as is standard practice for major legislative proposals. However, a detailed review of this document reveals that it fails to meet the most basic standards of policy appraisal. In both method and substance, the IA falls significantly short of what would be expected from any serious analysis of reforms with such wide-ranging consequences.

A cross-party group of senior MPs has tabled what is called ‘a reasoned amendment’ to the Government’s Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill.  Thirteen Labour select committee chairs—among them Meg Hillier (Treasury), Diana Johnson (Home Affairs) and Sarah Champion (International Development)—have asked the House of Commons to refuse the Bill a Second Reading.  Their text highlights the complete absence of consultation with disabled people, the lack of crucial economic evidence, and the Government’s own admission that the reforms would deepen poverty.

Remember. There was a moment — not so long ago — when the world paused.Not by choice. Not by comfort. But in that strange, uncertain silence, something flickered awake in many of us.You stepped off the treadmill. And for the first time in a long time, you breathed. You noticed the way time stretches when you’re not being watched.

We want the Government to halt all planned benefit cuts for disabled people unable to work. Instead of reducing benefits, we want them to rise in line with inflation. We want support, not hardship and...

President Trump’s recent decision to implement a 90-day pause on most tariffs marks a notable shift in trade policy—one that appears to be driven as much by market response as by international diplomacy. While tariffs on Chinese imports were sharply increased to 125%, the pause for other countries signals a more measured, strategic approach. In the days leading up to the announcement, markets responded nervously to escalating trade tensions.

In recent years, the cost of living has soared. Essentials—from rent and food to water, energy, and even a simple cup of coffee—are increasingly expensive. Yet, at a time when expenses are skyrocketin...

If you’re claiming means-tested benefits in the UK, like Universal Credit, Income Support, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you’ve probably heard of the £6,000 savings limit. It’s the threshold below which your savings are ignored during your benefits assessment. Go over it — even slightly — and your entitlement starts to drop. But here’s the thing: that £6,000 limit was set in 2006.