In the shadows: How 'shadow welfare' has overtaken social security

‘Shadow welfare’ is the financial support provided to households by the tax-free allowances in income tax and national insurance.

Following the March 2022 spring statement, analysis from the Fabian Society finds that in 2022/23, the value of tax-free allowances for a single working adult (£80 per week) will be higher than the basic universal credit payment for an adult aged 25 or over without work (£77 per week). The minimum support available to people with middle and high earnings is therefore higher than for those without work.

The balance between the resources devoted to ‘shadow welfare’ and working-age social security is unjust and causes hardship. It is particularly harmful for children. However Fabian Society public attitudes research shows that people are unaware of the parallels between tax-free allowances and social security, and they tend to prefer tax allowances over social security when it comes to supporting living standards.

The report recommends policy changes to shift the balance of resources from ‘shadow welfare’ to social security, and improve understanding and transparency.