Our place to talk – an independent website for supporters of the Liberal Democrat party in the UK.

The most-read independent website by and for Lib Dem supporters. Not paid for by trade unions or millionaires.

Advert

Tag Archives: Roger Bootle

Opinion: Mind the gap – a sceptical view of the need for cuts

By Bill le Breton | Sun 21st October 2012 - 9:50 am

The UK’s economic position has deteriorated, government revenues are lower and welfare expenditure higher than anticipated, worsening the deficit so that austerity must continue further into this decade. Because of this deterioration a combination of increased taxes or cuts must be identified in the Autumn Spending Statement in December.

That is the orthodox view. It is based on the generally accepted proposition that the structural deficit should be eliminated. This has set off widespread debate as to whether the increased scale of the structural deficit should be eliminated by increased taxes (such as a Mansion Tax) or expenditure reductions and where these should be identified, with the Conservatives placing welfare cuts at the top of their agenda.

Continue reading »

Posted in Op-eds | Also tagged deficit and economy | 25 Comments

Most Read

Op-eds

A plea from a member – more ambition and less equine pacification please… (Nick Baird)
Will the real Green party that cared about people and planet please stand up? (Kobe Bibbon)
We need better conversations on AI and the environment (Josh Matthews)
How to spot a Racist (Ben Rich)
Councils must help music – so music can help their communities flourish (Charlie Clinton & Josh Matthews)

Advert

Recent Comments

Anthony Acton
What I find so disappointing about the last 2 years is that the 2024 GE result gave the party a massive boost in resources and, potentially, political influenc...
Nigel Jones
I agree with Nigel Quinton, Tony Robertson and Katharine Pindar on the lack of a clear party lead on our overall vision for the future of the country which must...
Katharine Pindar
Ed concluded our Autumn Conference by telling us that 'We are in the fight of our lives - and we will win!' Of course, rapturous applause followed. But somehow ...
Tim L
In my experience of San Francisco, driverless cabs are smooth and courteous. I wish all drivers, there and here, were as good. I am sure in due course they will...
Nigel Quinton
@Tony R - absolutely right. Burnham is echoing so much of what we have been shouting about (and being ignored) for years. Electoral reform, localism, social car...