Commenting on the UK Government’s Spring Statement Delivered today, Miriam Brett, Co-Director of Future Economy Scotland, said: 

“It is remarkable that any government could look back on the devastation caused by the post-financial crisis austerity and still conclude that taking an axe to underfunded welfare programmes is a logical step forward. 

“A low wage, low welfare economy is a recipe for disaster – and an expensive one at that. On top of dire social outcomes, short-termist decisions to slash social security spending can generate heightened costs further down the line. Treating self-imposed fiscal rules as sacrosanct will simply limit policy ambition and actively undermine the government’s ability to tackle the multitude of intertwined crises facing our economy.

"The lesson of the past decade is clear: we can’t cut our way to a wealthier, fairer, greener economy. Going forward, it is imperative that the Scottish Government uses its fiscal powers to combat the impacts of more austerity coming from Westminster.”

ENDS

[1] To request an interview with a spokesperson or for any other questions please contact press@futureeconomy.scot 

[2] Future Economy Scotland is a non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just. The organisation does not have a formal stance on Scotland’s constitutional future, and is not aligned to any political party or any politician. The organisation is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee operating with charitable principles. For more information visit: www.futureeconomy.scot