Tax Breaks to Boost the Birth Rate - A Discussion

The Political Editor of the Scotland on Sunday newspapper, Eddie Barnes, raises a very important point: Should mothers be given tax breaks to raise the birth-rate?

He calls for the funding in the light of the report by Lord Turner as head of the Independent Pensions Commission who commented about the looming population crisis. The birth rate in Scotland is currently 1.4 per women where as in England its 1.75. Furthermore, 41% of Scottish graduate women between the ages of 45 and 49 are still childless, comapred to around 30% south of the Border.

This seems to be an issue that needs to be addressed and although adoption policies may need to be reviewed, any incentives to raise birth rates should be looked at.

What are your thoughts?