I don't think it's a taboo to discuss it, it's not being discussed because it shows very clearly what a big problem we have (just like America) with waning job numbers and really awful support for the poorest. We're not in as deep is as America is (from my basic understanding of our benefits vs. American welfare) but if the government were to talk about the problems with Incapacity Benefit they would also have to address the problem of another 2 million unemployed people with no recent job history and no jobs for them even if they could work.
Things are just about ticking over now, imagine the shit storm that would occur if every unemployed person was told they're now competing with another 2 million people, keeping this a "secret" is as much in the governments interest as it is every person that votes. No good would come of this issue being out in the open now, it needs to come out when there are jobs available or proper support for the unemployed, neither of which is true at the moment. I could be missing an important factor (due to aforementioned shallow understanding of benefits) so please correct me if I'm wrong and there is an advantage or proper way this can be addressed.
Things are just about ticking over now, imagine the shit storm that would occur if every unemployed person was told they're now competing with another 2 million people, keeping this a "secret" is as much in the governments interest as it is every person that votes. No good would come of this issue being out in the open now, it needs to come out when there are jobs available or proper support for the unemployed, neither of which is true at the moment. I could be missing an important factor (due to aforementioned shallow understanding of benefits) so please correct me if I'm wrong and there is an advantage or proper way this can be addressed.