Broken Benefits

Britain is going through the most radical upheaval of the benefits system since its foundations were laid at the end of the 1940s. In Broken Benefits, Sam Royston argues that social security isn’t working, and without a change in direction, it will be even less fair in the future.

Drawing on original research and high-profile debates, this much-needed book provides an introductory guide to social security, correcting misunderstandings and exposing poorly understood problems. It reveals how some workers pay to take on additional hours; that those who pay national insurance contributions may get nothing in return; that some families can be paid to split apart; and that many people on the lowest incomes are seeing their retirement age rise the fastest.

Broken Benefits includes real-life stories, models of household budgets, projections of benefit spending, and a free online calculator showing the impact of welfare changes on personal finances. The book presents practical ideas of how benefits should be reformed, to create a fairer, simpler and more coherent system for the future.

'LESSONS FROM LOCKDOWN: Sam Royston on families and welfare' on Transforming Society
'ICR298: Sam Royston, Broken Benefits' in Informed Choice Radio Podcast
'The Tax Credits system needs fixing: addressing Universal Credit is not enough' on Transforming Society

"This excellent book not only explains clearly how we got to the broken system we have, and what principles should guide its overhaul. An important book for all those making decisions about the benefits system and those hoping to influence those decisions." Naomi Eisenstadt, University of Oxford

“A superb and deeply knowledgeable analysis of how our benefit system really works – and sometimes doesn’t – for those in need. Benefits too often confuse, conflict, are wrongly sanctioned and wrongly denied; claiming them even leaves some people worse off. Yet a sane and decent benefit system, both for those in and out of work, is the most effective path out of poverty. Clear-eyed, compassionate and compelling, this book is a must-read, and must-keep, for all who care about the poverty and insecurity of our fellow citizens. “ Rt. Hon.Baroness Hollis of Heigham, former Social Security Minister

"A highly engaging and accessible account of the challenges within our social security system and a powerful manifesto for change. This authoritative guide to the facts behind the headlines is needed now more than ever." Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe

"Here is a policy expert who writes with real warmth. His plan to repair the safety net is unmissable." Rt Hon Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham and former Social Security Minister

“The book is timely, detailed, well researched, and well written: not an easy combination to achieve in relation to the UK’s benefit system.” Citizen’s Income.

"Broken Benefits gives expert, accessible exposure of social security provision in the UK – its past, its cuts, its future plans. It strongly calls for Better Benefits." Terry Patterson, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers

"Invaluable: not just a clear and authoritative guide to the complex world of social security benefits, but a superb analysis of why much recent welfare reform has gone wrong and what needs to be done to get the system right for the people who rely on it." Patrick Butler, Social policy editor, The Guardian

"Royston's book is a very good introduction to social security policy and also a swingeing critique of the thrust of policy since 2010" Jonathan Bradshaw, University of York

Part I: INTRODUCING THE BENEFITS SYSTEM;

Introduction;

The makings of a 'British revolution': A brief history of benefits;

What are benefits for?;

Part II: MAPPING IT ALL OUT - THE MECHANICS OF THE BENEFITS SYSTEM;

Benefit entitlements for people with no other income or savings;

Contribution-based benefit entitlements for people with no other income or savings;

How support changes on moving into work;

Part III: A THOUSAND CUTS;

A freeze is as good as a cut;

'Unlimited' welfare;

Welfare reform and the 'family test';

Cuts to Employment and Support Allowance and the ‘limited capability for work’ component of Universal Credit;

Triple locked? Benefits for pensioners;

Welfare that works? The 'old' system;

Welfare that works? Universal Credit;

Contribution-based benefits: The great insurance scam;

Part IV: CHAOS, ERROR AND MISJUDGEMENTS - PAYMENTS AND ADMINISTRATION IN THE BENEFITS SYSTEM;

Reasons to be fearful?: Assessing sickness and disability;

'Chaos, error and misjudgement': The administration of Tax Credits and Universal Credit;

Sanctions;

Local benefits, local choices;

Making 'older people' older: Changes in the pension age;

Part V: THE 'NEW SETTLEMENT' - BENEFITS IN 2020;

Understanding the 'low tax, low welfare' economy;

The social impact of moving to a 'low welfare' economy;

Part VI: BETTER BENEFITS;

Preventing poverty and destitution;

A system that responds to household need;

Supporting 'socially desirable' behaviours;

Simplicity from the claimant's perspective;

Conclusion.