Publisher's Synopsis
This report analyzes the way in which economic policy should take account of the economic relationships and interactions between family members. Beginning by describing the theoretical and empirical analysis of the relationship between individuals and the family unit, it then goes on to consider the implications of different assumptions about household behaviour for the design of policy in five areas - social security policy, income tax, the Community Charge, financial support for students in post compulsory education and pensions policy. In each area, the IFS researchers consider what assumptions regarding the division of responsibility between the state and the family underlie current policy, and what the implications and effects of alternative approaches would be.
