The people throwing street parties shouldn't be condemned, they should be listened to. Is it any wonder, at a time when we are being told we need to tighten our belts that during Thatcher's funeral which will be funded by the state, many people are planning to turn up and protest? The dismantling of the welfare state and the NHS at present is the Conservative party's continuation of Thatcher's ideology of yesterday.

Labour's deputy leader admitted on Sunday it was understandable that workers felt "resentful" about benefits claimants that do not want a job as the p...

Potential MPs should only be able to stand as a candidate if they'd done a year long work placement (paid at the going rate, let's not stoop to their level). I don't care where - could be in a solicitors, could be in a cafe, but they should know that where they choose could affect the voters' choice.

ew people realise that the UK is one of the most centralised welfare systems in the world. Whitehall controls healthcare, education, tax and benefits. Local government controls only social care and a few other minor services. It doesn't need to be this way.

Instead of welfare reform that is tough, fair and that works, David Cameron and George Osborne are pressing ahead with a chaotic, unfair and perverse policy. And once again it is striving families who are paying the price.

Of course it's right that we should debate social security spending. After all it constitutes nearly 30% of all government spending - over £200bn a year. But the arguments should be based on evidence, not myths. And arguments should address the root causes of the growing welfare bill - not least the lack of affordable housing and the need for a living wage.

ICAEW is worried we are going to see the same operational problems arising that we saw for tax credits - especially for those with fluctuating incomes. We want a simplified tax system that is as clear and efficient as possible. However as you can see from the issues raised, this charge will add considerable complications.

Iain Duncan Smith is to say some benefits promote "destructive" behaviour, as the government seeks to make massive further cuts to welfare. Chancel...

PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Bad businesses and bad neighbours are to be targeted by Labour leader Ed Miliband in his keynote speech to the party's conference...