A demographer has proposed taxing childless people
(Picture: Myles Tan/Unsplash)An article from The Times suggesting that we tax the childless to combat the UK’s slowdown in population growth has sparked a backlash.
The 6.3% increase signals a slowdown in population growth over the last 10 years, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Dr Paul Morland, author and demography researcher, suggested that the UK introduce a “negative child benefit” for people without children.
Morland, who writes about demography, has authored books on demography and conflict and the last two hundred years from a demographic perspective, and his upcoming book is on future population trends.
In his article in The Times, Morland suggested a number of ideas to encourage people to have more children, including creating a “pro-natal” culture which would involve a parenthood day and a telegram from the Queen when people have a third child.
Morland suggested educating people that getting pregnant becomes more difficult with age and retargeting child benefit to incentivise families to have children.
But the suggestion that has caused outrage is that we “Introduce a ‘negative child benefit’ tax for those who do not have offspring.
“This may seem unfair on those who can’t or won’t have children, but it recognises that we all rely on there being a next generation and that everyone should contribute to the cost of creating that generation. Use the funds to fix the UK’s broken, expensive early-years care system.”
Explaining his views to Newstalk Breakfast, Morland said: "So actually all I’m proposing is what they have, say, in France–which is a higher tax rate, which is then alleviated somewhat to help people who have children... who are bearing that financial burden".
He went on to say: “Today people who don’t have children don’t get Child Benefit... There are 1,001 reasons why they might not have children.
"But I’ve never heard anyone say ‘It’s so unfair I don’t get Child Benefit because I don’t want children, I can’t have children.’
"So it seems perfectly reasonable to me that helping people who actually do have the burden and the pleasure of children through the tax system and the benefits system is perfectly reasonable.
"That is something we’re already doing, I’m simply arguing that we move towards a more continental model where we do it a little bit more".
What do people think about a childless tax?
Author Dr Claire Askew said: “Reserve me a jail cell, lads, because there’s no way on God’s green earth that I am paying a ‘childless tax.’"
Reserve me a jail cell, lads, because there's no way on God's green earth that I am paying a "childless tax."
— Dr Claire Askew (@OneNightStanzas) July 3, 2022
Journalist James Ball said“This is such absolute bait, but: almost every family with school age children – even those in work with relatively good incomes – is a net drain on the tax system. Childless adults *already* heavily subsidise these costs.”
This is such absolute bait, but: almost every family with school age children – even those in work with relatively good incomes – is a net drain on the tax system. Childless adults *already* heavily subsidise these costs. https://t.co/HbZ7K33sQz
— James Ball (@jamesrbuk) July 3, 2022
Science writer and broadcaster James Wong said: “So….We desperately need to cut immigration because we are so overpopulated AND also desperately need to increase our birth rate. The doublethink is about as subtle as the image choice by The Times.”
So….
— James Wong (@Botanygeek) July 3, 2022
We desperately need to cut immigration because we are so overpopulated AND also desperately need to increase our birth rate.
The doublethink is about as subtle as the image choice by The Times.https://t.co/u5C0woYBWB
Journalist James O’Malley said: “No point in getting angry about ‘Should we tax the childless?’ because even if the proposal were taken seriously, it would fall apart the moment a politician has to explain it to someone who is infertile or bereaved.”
No point in getting angry about “Should we tax the childless?” because even if the proposal were taken seriously, it would fall apart the moment a politician has to explain it to someone who is infertile or bereaved.
— James O'Malley (@Psythor) July 3, 2022
Labour MP Charlotte Nichols said: ““If we need to address the falling birth rate, you’d be better off starting with making housing cheaper (so young people aren’t forced to flat share well into their thirties, especially in cities) and making childcare actually affordable. Just saying.”
Writer Séamas O’Reilly said: “Tories can’t solve things because they can’t imagine meaningful, structural improvements to society. Parenting would be made easier by affordable housing, flexible working for parents, better and easier access to childcare. Not telegrams from the queen and a tax on the childless.”
Tories can't solve things because they can't imagine meaningful, structural improvements to society. Parenting would be made easier by affordable housing, flexible working for parents, better and easier access to childcare. Not telegrams from the queen and a tax on the childless. https://t.co/M9LyKYwkFF
— The author, Séamas O'Reilly (@shockproofbeats) July 3, 2022
What is the current child benefit system?
Parents can claim Child Benefit if they are raising a child who is under 16, or under 20 if they are in education or training.
By claiming child benefit, parents can get National Insurance credits which count towards the State Pension. But only one person can claim child benefit for each child.
Additionally, the child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they turn 16 years old.
There is no limit on the number of children parents can claim for. Parents will receive £21.80 per week for the eldest or only child and £14.45 for each additional child.
