Should the middle class get benefits? episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 2, 2025 · 48 MIN

Should the middle class get benefits?

from IFS Zooms In: The Economy

From child benefit to winter fuel payments, debates over who really deserves support run through the history of the UK’s welfare state. In this episode of IFS Zooms In, we ask whether benefits should be universal, means-tested or contributory — and why the UK's benefits system has become one of the most means-tested in the developed world.Helen is joined by Nicholas Timmins (Institute for Government) and Tom Waters (IFS) to explore Beveridge’s original vision, the rise of means-testing and whether ideas like Universal Basic Income could work.Become a member: https://ifs.org.uk/individual-membershipFind out more: https://ifs.org.uk/podcasts-explainers-and-calculators/podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Oct 2, 2025

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Should the middle class get benefits?

0:00 48:51

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of IFS Zooms In: The Economy?

This episode is 48 minutes long.

When was this IFS Zooms In: The Economy episode published?

This episode was published on October 2, 2025.

Can I download this IFS Zooms In: The Economy episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!