But few could have predicted Gordon Brown's announcement last week of plans to "enshrine" the target in law. Even the Prime Minister's harshest critics concede the aim of the proposed new law is commendable, but allies and rivals alike are asking how it will work in practice (see Vox Pop, p18). Stephen Timms, the welfare reform minister, says the practicalities of the legislation are less difficult than they seem. He explains that the legislation will...