Government told to ‘avoid’ happiness

The GOVERNMENT should not attempt to measure or maximise happiness as a specific policy, a think-tank claimed today.

The free market Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) said that there was no evidence that more equal societies lead to increased happiness.

It found that increasing government spending by one-third would reduce happiness by up to 6 per cent.

Today, the third Monday in January, is said to be the most depressing day of the year due to the weather, debt and time passed since Christmas.

IEA director general Mark Littlewood said: “Governments have shown how hopeless they are with the economy. To trust them with happiness would be inviting disaster.”

A Cabinet Office spokesman said: “We want to make sure we’re properly focused on quality of life as well as economic growth.”