Just Deserts? examines public attitudes towards fairness, poverty and welfare reform. What do we think “fairness” is? Extensive new research finds British voters believe that fairness is about getting what you deserve, not about equality. British people are strong believers in reciprocity: and want existing rights balanced by new responsibilities. The poll finds strong support for asking the long term unemployed to do community work in return for their benefits, and also support for a cap on child benefit. Reducing unemployment and cutting taxes on low earners are seen as the most important steps to a fairer Britain. Voters want politicians to tackle poverty, but want them to focus on its root causes – drug addiction, poor education and unemployment – rather than ‘papering over the cracks’ with cash transfers.