Over the last four days 1,417 Tory members have given their opinions on twelve of the main recommendations of IDS’ social justice report. Ten of the twelve recommendations secured clear and supportive majorities. The most popular recommendation – with 95% support – was action to eliminate unfairness to two-parent families within the benefits system. The controversial proposal of higher taxation of alcohol was rejected by 59% of those surveyed. The only other recommendation to fall short of a majority was the proposal to give the option of frontloading child benefit. Although 49% agreed with the proposal, 30% disagreed.
ConservativeHome intends to poll members on the main recommendations of all of the policy groups.
Later today we will publish members’ views on extending the married couples’ tax allowance to gay couples.