The most striking finding from today’s IFS research (aside from the poorest half getting hit harder) is that young families get punished while pensioners escape relatively lightly.
Anyone wondering why this is the case should read this research from De Montfort University and Age UK showing that 4 in 10 votes cast are by the over-55s.
By the year 2025, 466 seats will see at least one third of turnout comprised voters aged 65 and over.
This may not have escaped ministers when they decided not to slice into winter fuel payments and free bus passes for pensioners.
Jim Pickard
Kiran Stacey