Robbing Peter to pay Paul? The government, the benefits system, and pensioners

When Iain Duncan Smith resigned in March, he did so over Budget proposals to cut certain benefits which he saw as hitting those of working age, while leaving intact those given to ‘better off pensioners’. This is not an either/or situation, explains Melanie Henwood; in fact, such a simplified approach presents the needs of older, and often disabled people as a burden to younger generations. The government certainly need to revisit the benefits system, but must do so through proper consultation and not through divisive rhetoric.