Welfare Reform on the Web (March 2004): Social Security - UK

MOST INCAPACITY CLAIMANTS ARE OBESE

D. Hencke

The Guardian, February 16th 2004, p.3

Newly released government figures show that over half of incapacity benefit claimants are overweight. Many suffer from diseases such as diabetes which have been linked to obesity. They receive, on average, a benefit of £78.85 a week, leading to an annual bill of £3.6bn.

TORIES MAY PAY MOTHERS TO STAY AT HOME

S. Hall

The Guardian, February 19th 2004, p.6

The Conservatives are looking at ways of financially supporting mothers of young children who choose to stay at home to look after them. Ideas include introduction of a family home care allowance, raising child benefit, or introducing transferable tax allowances.