As we come up to the finishing line, the polls have barely moved, the two main contenders may not have excited us much with their ambition and people could be forgiven for thinking there isn’t that much of a difference between them.
But in a spirit of open research – I thought I’d take a closer look at what each of the parties are offering when it comes to promises around benefits and our mutual social security.
And it seems there are real differences to choose from. Even if Labour may disappoint those seeking a turning back of some of the hardest hitting cuts and changes of the last 14 years, the Conservatives have certainly not run out of ideas and cutting zeal. The real difference – if there is a change in tenancy in Downing Street – may not lie in what Labour would do as they go for cautious, constrained and costed promises. Rather it would lie in what they would not do with the Tory proposals to cut £12 billion mainly from benefits for the sick and disabled and ramping up sanctions and benefit cut offs around work conditionality.
You can read my summary of what’s on offer and some reflections on the choices and why voting can make a difference in my article Myths and Millions: Benefits and the General Election 2024
Big Book of Benefits 