Browse IFS
Publication types
Journal Articles
March 2005
Article
Means testing and retirement choice in Europe: a comparison of the British and Danish systems
Type: Journal Articles
Authors: James Sefton, Justin van de Ven and Martin Weale
ISSN: Print: 0143-5671 Online: 1475-5890
Volume, issue, pages: Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 83-118
JEL classification: C61, D58, E20, H31, I30

Download BibTex file | 

We develop a simulation model of household behaviour in which both the consumption/saving and labour/leisure choices are endogenous. This model is used to explore the effects of the UK and Danish state tax and benefit systems on the labour supply of workers aged 50 or over. We find that, in broad terms, differences in labour force participation can be accounted for by differences in benefit structures. Furthermore, our simulations suggest that the UK system is preferred by young people while the Danish arrangement which imposes a larger tax burden and provides larger welfare benefits is chosen by people of 50 or older. Notably, people older than 60 are in the majority in the simulated population. The Danish system does not promote notably greater equality over the lifetime, but it does underpin a higher level of consumption for people of 50 or older.

Full version (external link)

Search

Title (or part of title)
Author surname (or part of surname)