Government Recognises Budget Cuts Could Worsen Inequality – Fawcett
The Fawcett Society has responded to the publication of a letter between Theresa May MP – Home Secretary and Minister for Women and Equalities – and the Chancellor, George Osborne.
Anna Bird, Head of Policy & Campaigns at the Fawcett Society, said:
“Under equality laws, we believe the government should have assessed whether its budget proposals would increase or reduce inequality between women and men. Despite repeated requests, the Treasury have not provided any evidence that any such an assessment took place.
“This letter clearly demonstrates that the Home Secretary had made the Chancellor – and the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister – aware that the government is legally required to assess the impact of spending cuts on different groups.
“It also shows that before the budget was even published, there was recognition at the most senior levels of government that it risked widening inequality. The Minister for Equalities goes so far as to single out specific groups that look set to be hardest hit; women, ethnic minorities, disabled and older people.”
