Letter: The benefit families need
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Frances Savin (letter, 6 June) is right in suggesting that the minimum wage cannot be expected to cover the cost of a family. In the 1972-73 select committee on tax-credit the argument for a system of comprehensive support for children which I put forward (together with Professor Kaldor and Professor Abel-Smith) was dismissed on the grounds that it had wide implications for the wage-structure of the country. In our two-income family society this argument must be taken seriously if equal pay is to be a reality.
We should not however try to go back to a breadwinner/full-time mother society. We need to have a special Family Responsibility Benefit for families with a child under school age. Young children require considerable attention which makes it impossible for both parents to make a normal contribution to family income. Either one parent (usually the mother) is restricted in her ability to earn if she provides this, personally, or the couple have considerable expense in providing substitute care.
It is essential that the family should be free to choose how this care is provided. The present system of support produces a poverty trap and is administratively expensive. Only a special benefit can provide the necessary flexibility. The form of care will vary according to the age and needs of the child and the earning opportunities available to both parents.
MARY TYLER
London NW11
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments