Look at the facts before attacking vulnerable families

The kids are back to school, uniforms are bought, winter clothes need to be stocked up, and doctors’ bills are starting to come in.

Parents do not have the time or the energy to protest. So once again the Government can take advantage. For the third year in succession the Cabinet is testing the mood to see if the time is ripe to attack the perceived soft underbelly of society — young mothers and families. This has become a ritual of budget discussions.

On Sunday, two bits of news were leaked. Firstly it emerged the Government had got a brainwave to tax maternity benefit.