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A . B. ATKINSON
Against means-testing
The 1980s saw a big increase in dependence
on means-tested benefits in the United
Kingdom. As insurance benefits have been
cut back, more of the unemployed have
become dependent on social assistance.
Taking income support and family credit
together, there has been a large increase in
0 The Political Quarterly Publishing Co. Ltd. 1996
A concrete proposal
What would such a scheme look like in
more concrete terms? The version of the
6 The Political Quarterly Publishing Co. Ltd. 1996
70 A. 8. ATKINSON
Conclusions
The means-tested route followed by the
present Government cannot offer an effective solution to the reform of the welfare
state. For all the rhetoric about targeting,
means-testing has not worked, and a major
aim of policy in Britain should be reduced
dependence on means-tested benefits. The
route to providing an effective national
minimum for Britain is a participation
income, complementing improved social
insurance.