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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
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Torsten Bell

Austerity doesn’t just damage public services, it destroys faith in the future

Glass Works Square in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Glass Works Square in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Photograph: John Morrison/Alamy

As the dust settles on the budget, it’s time to reflect on the real task facing anyone trying to govern Britain.

The tax cuts announced are paid for with big spending cuts to come: unprotected departments (like councils and prisons) face 13% (£19bn) cuts by 2028-29. Most people think delivering them is impossible, because they’ve seen the state of public services. But let’s focus on why they would also be terrible for our democracy and politics.

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