Each Thursday evening we clapped our love and gratitude for health professionals and carers in our universal health service. The same gratitude is due for our social security system – the front line for the care and support of our neighbours’ financial security, keeping them safe, secure and fed. But is this how people feel? And if not, why not?

By Alison Garnham

Over two million people affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have claimed universal credit (UC) in the past two months. But claimants already getting tax credits have the option of staying in the tax credits system instead. Mark Willis explains.

The government spending we have seen in recent months has been necessary and welcome. But how will we as a country pay for this spending? We need a public debate about who will pay for the costs that the country is facing as a result of the pandemic.

By Alan Buckle

CPAG’s Cost of the School Day project in Scotland is working with schools and local authorities to understand the barriers that costs create for children from low-income families, and to support policy and practice change to reduce or remove them. With the project set to be introduced in England and Wales, and expanded in Scotland, what can be learned from the last six years?

By Sara Spencer

A future strategy to end child poverty will need to be honest about the size and role of the state, and how the necessary investments can be funded. Drawing on CPAG’s latest book, Let’s Talk About Tax, Tom Lee puts the size of the UK state in international context and considers a range of options for increasing tax revenues in a progressive fashion.