Diamond, Patrick, Lodge, Guy, (2013), ‘European welfare states after the crisis’ , Policy Network Paper.
Governments in the UK and elsewhere in Europe are taking a position on welfare reform which is in line with public opinion, but may be the wrong strategic choice in the long-term – prioritising benefits for older people at the expense of families and children who have been hit hard by the financial crisis. This is the central argument of a substantial new Policy Network/IPPR paper. When it comes to making reforms to the welfare system, defending existing social security entitlements at the expense of families and children, is the public’s preferred choice, according to a major piece of new comparative YouGov polling in the UK, Denmark and France.