Rigorous welfare reforms for the under-25s must be combined with targeted tax breaks. That’s the best way to get young Britain going and galvanise the new electorate.
For keen observers, Ed Miliband’s speech on welfare may sound familiar. Last November Labour dropped plans — to scrap benefits for the under-25s — like a hot potato after vicious attacks from activists. Yet a few months on and Miliband rehashes these, pledging to continue good work this government is already doing, for instance young people already receive a lower rate of Jobseeker’s Allowance and can already take up training and continue receiving their benefits.
It seems that Ed Miliband is the timid toad sat at the edge of the pond, just dipping his toe-in. If Labour are going to be the Party that governs for young Britain they have to go big, be bold and lead the charge on welfare reforms for the under-25s and combine these with targeted tax incentives.
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