Mark Whitehead 27 January 2015

Youngest children and poor worst hit by cuts, finds report

Poorer groups have been worst affected by changes to direct taxes, benefits and tax credits despite the government's promise that the rich would carry the burden of austerity, according to a new report.

The report, from London School of Economics and the universities of Manchester and York, concludes that as a result poverty has been increasing and will get worse in the next five years.

The report also reveals that families with young children have been hit harder than any other household type under the cuts despite early rhetoric highlighting the importance of the 'foundation years'.

Real spending per child on early education, childcare and Sure Start services fell by a quarter between 2009-10 and 2012-13 and tax-benefit reforms hit families with children under five hardest.

These overall conclusions are based on a comprehensive and authoritative analysis of policy, spending, outcomes, and trends across nine different areas of social policy.

The authors acknowledge that the coalition faced a high level of debt and current budget deficit following the global financial crisis and say that in response it made some strategic choices.

These included not cutting the NHS and schools in cash terms, increasing spending on pensions, raising the income tax threshold and cutting the top rate of tax.

Programme leader, Professor Ruth Lupton of the University of Manchester said: 'There is more to the coalition than cuts. Its major legacy may turn out to be its rapid reforms of the schools system, the NHS, and welfare benefits. But its decisions on where to cut and where to spend have limited its scope either to reduce the debt or protect the poor'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Customer Services Adviser (Housing Repairs

Mansfield District Council
£28,598 - £33,699 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire - a place of many strong connections Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council

No Wrong Door Deputy Manager

North Yorkshire Council
From £47,181 up to £51,356 per annum pro rata
We’re looking for a passionate, driven, and dynamic professional to join our management team within our innovative No Wrong Door (NWD) service. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Resource Centre Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£34,434 - £38,220 per annum pro rata
You will work closely with families and other professionals to ensure that you have sound knowledge of the children you are caring for Morton on Swale, Northallerton
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£38,220 - £42,839 per annum, pro rata
Our Family Assessment and Support Teams you will work with a range of children and their families, carers and networks. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Adults Social Worker - Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185 - £50081 per annum
Register your interest here to be notified of upcoming Social Worker opportunities within Essex County Council's Adult Social Care services in Mid Es England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner