Category Archives: Austerity
The myths behind the cuts
George Osborne’s statement in the House of Commons yesterday did not appear to offer many new ideas. Most of it had been leaked or previously discussed in the public domain. There can be no doubt that cutbacks are needed, but … Continue reading
Filed under Austerity, British Politics, Coalition government, Cuts, Economy, George Osborne, Politics
Conservative ideology proving rather flaccid
I was criticised by some (I won’t name names…) previously when I suggested the coalition government underestimated the link between public sector spending and private sector wealth. I have also suggested in the past that taking a sharp sabre so soon … Continue reading
Prospect of 40% cuts – who is the ‘mug’?
It is far from surprising the government have let it be known that departments in their preparation for savings have been told to, at worst try and analysis and factor in the impacts of cuts of up to 40%. It … Continue reading
Filed under Austerity, British Politics, Coalition government, David Cameron, Politics, Spin
Poor to pay the price
If you live on the breadline, you might be forgiven for thinking that your luck is always down. In that context, yesterday’s emergency budget was a massive kick in the private parts. Think Tanks and commentators alike have alluded to the … Continue reading
Impending doom, it must be true
“Fill your crown with rumours of impending doom, it must be true”: The Killers – Losing Touch (Day & Age) Those who know their music will recognise that the title of this post is also a line in the contextually … Continue reading
Quotes of the day – budget backlash?
I have only been able to look briefly at the Guardian and FT, they seem unanimous - the budget tomorrow will drastically effect short term growth. “Ultimately, Osborne’s budget will be judged against its impact on growth and the signs are not especially … Continue reading
A drop in the economic ocean
The announcement today of £2bn worth of projects to be axed is hardly surprising. Most of them, planned improvements to roads, libraries etc strike me as being effective and sensible. Whether the government intentionally announced the figure of £2bn, or … Continue reading
The figures behind the facts
I would like to deal with a comment on the last entry ‘Darling & the deficit ding dong’. Larusso stated that government spending is currently approximately £650bn, “about double from 1997 – value for money?! Are public services twice as … Continue reading
Progressive ; Not a Clegg to stand on
‘Progressive’ appears to be a political buzz word at the moment. Its meaning has suffered numerous attempts at rebranding, appropriately that is the one thing the word has in common with Nick Clegg. The cuts he and the coalition government are … Continue reading
