Barabara Castle then introduced the universal Child Benefit in the mid 1970s and until today that had sacred cow status.

George Osbornes announcement today that from 2013 Child Benefit payments will be axed for any family with a parent earning enough to put them in the 4050 income tax bracket is neither fair nor right as some commentators would. It completely upstaged the rather more welcome cap on benefits which will put an end to families of 10 living in 1.

Those whose only take from the state comes in the form of child benefit could be forgiven for showing a simmering resentment in the light of the above.

caption idattachment_100007942 alignaligncenter width460 captionIain Duncan Smith the work and pensions secretary.

I can see no problem with giving child benefit to people with one two or three children but why do we hand out everincreasing amounts of public money to people who decide to have five six or ten children.

In the long run the cuts to Child Benefit announced today will hit the poorest hardest as the principle of universal benefits is eroded argues Nicola Smith.

But the announcement yesterday on the reform of Child Benefit is as unjust as it is nonsensical. Margaret Thatchers governments looked over the files repeatedly but never did anything fundamental to save.

caption idattachment_100007951 alignalignnone width460 captionMeans testing child benefit is a good idea Photo GETTYcaption Ive long supported means testing of child benefit as a way of cutting back on the benefits. Pic PAcaption Many hardpressed middle class families will resent the withdrawal of Child Benefit from.

Child benefit is currently paid to families normally to the mother where any children are under 18. 2million mansions on.

caption idattachment_100007982 alignaligncenter width460 captionAn insurer has noticed a way to sidestep the Governments child benefits cuts. For many its not a handout its a totemic rebate on the tax they already pay. It isnt a means tested benefit you have to apply and show youve got children but there are no long complicated forms to fill out.