Cost of Living Support - Government support seen as ineffective

The IFS and Joseph Rowntree Foundation have investigated the government's cost of living support package for the poor, and concludes that the £19 billion spent wasn't terribly effective at alleviating poverty and deprivation.

They argue that had it been spent on a general uplift in benefits, it would have been much more effective. 'Twas ever thus, but policymaking is sometimes determined by the need to generate soundbites rather than good economics.

It also highlights the difference between, and difficulties with, one-off payments which make it harder for people to budget than more regular sources of income.

Please read: UK cost of living payments were ineffective sticking plaster, IFS says (Guardian)