1. When, in 2013, Child Benefit was reduced for families where one or both parents earned over £50000 and withdrawn completely where one or more parents earned over £60000, it meant the end of a universal benefit that had been in place since 1948. What are the advantages of a benefit that goes to mothers, regardless of income?

2. How would you define ‘the squeezed middle’? Should government policy be directed at helping these families?