Cradle to Grave

In defence of the Budget

Today's package wasn't perfect but it was a responsible centre-left plan for tough economic times

Nov 26 • 

Andrew Harrop

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2

October 2025

Grasping the nettle

Pension tax relief is ripe for reform, I argue in a new Fabian Society report

Oct 27 • 

Andrew Harrop

The dirty dozen

Twelve tax reforms that are fair and pro-growth for Rachel Reeves' November Budget

Oct 22 • 

Andrew Harrop

6

Paying for fair pay

The social care Fair Pay Agreement will be introduced in 2028. But can it be funded from existing spending plans?

Oct 6 • 

Andrew Harrop

4

2

August 2025

National Care Service: a quiet first step

Ministers are proposing a 'virtual' grant for adult social care to pay for consistent levels of service alongside increased national accountability

Aug 2 • 

Andrew Harrop

2

3

July 2025

The Pensions Commission resurrected

A comprehensive review of pensions adequacy could lead to higher retirement incomes and lower inequalities

Jul 25 • 

Andrew Harrop

1

June 2025

Does the pensions bill deliver for low-earners?

The Pension Schemes Bill is genuinely good news for low-income savers but it could be made even better

Jun 19 • 

Andrew Harrop

Spending Review: Now the hard work starts

Yesterday Rachel Reeves played a poor hand well but alone these plans will not deliver change people can see by 2029

Jun 12 • 

Andrew Harrop

Better off

The government's first priority should be to raise living standards by the next election. I contributed to a new Fabian Society report that sets out…

Jun 6 • 

Andrew Harrop

May 2025

Here's how to scrap the cuts to Winter Fuel Payment

Labour should restore Winter Fuel Payment for everyone in retirement, paid for by a levy on private pensions

May 19 • 

Andrew Harrop

1

4

1

An orderly unwinding

The government's decision to end the scheme for hiring care workers direct from overseas is reasonable and evidence-based

May 12 • 

Andrew Harrop

3

April 2025

Why child poverty went up and how to bring it down

A post based on my remarks to last week's Prospect Magazine event 'Tackling child poverty: learning from the past, shaping the future'

Apr 6 • 

Andrew Harrop

1