Big Society

The Conservative Party treasurer adds his voice to growing criticism of a proposed cap on tax relief for charitable donations, warning it will deter the rich from giving.

The government’s big society bank launched today. But its chairman has told Channel 4 News that all the good it might do could be outweighed by budget proposals to cap tax relief for philanthropists.

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg all delivered speeches this week on their visions for a more ethical capitalism in the UK. Channel 4 News ran their words through Snowcloud.

Britain faces a difficult year in 2012, says the prime minister in his new year’s message – but he pledges the coalition government will do “everything it takes” to get the country up to strength.

With austerity looming, pension strikes back on the agenda and youth unemployment on the rise, is intergenerational conflict inevitable? Channel 4 News hears from both sides.

Working parents and businesses will benefit most from George Osborne’s autumn statement, as the chancellor tries to boost the ailing UK economy. Channel 4 News looks at what to watch out for.

A proven scheme to help tackle social problems by building family relationships in deprived areas launches tomorrow. It’s funded not by the government – but by a bank and a supermarket.

Former prime minister Tony Blair warns that blaming the England riots on a moral decline is wrong, and the focus should instead be placed on dysfunctional families.

London Mayor Boris Johnson tells Channel 4 News that last week’s riots are an opportunity to look at gangs, economic regeneration in deprived areas, and the education of young people.

Why do some charities rely on government funding when others manage without? Channel 4 News speaks to organisations threatened with closure and charities which survive on public donations.

Business Secretary Vince Cable has criticised David Cameron’s rhetoric on cutting immigration, saying it risks “inflaming” extremism. His words have created a rift in the Coalition, says Gary Gibbon.

Lord Hutton, author of a new report on public sector pension reform, tells Channel 4 News fairness is a key aim – but others say the system remains so unfair it will need another review in five years.

Public sector workers should expect to work longer and receive lower pensions, a report by Lord Hutton suggests – the perfect recipe for industrial action, writes Economics Editor Faisal Islam.

As the Welfare Reform Bill progresses through Parliament, disabled writer Lucy Glennon writes for Channel 4 News that the reforms could see the disabled become poor, isolated, and forgotten.