News / Economic Divide

British austerity program

Friday, 12 February 2016 11:00 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 12 February 2016 10:59 AM ]

British Prime Minister David Cameron ©AFP

The British government’s austerity program or the deficit reduction program by definition comprises a series of sustained reductions in public spending, intended to reduce the government budget deficit and the welfare state in the United Kingdom.

The program started in 2010 by Cameron’s government and was originally meant to be complete within five years. However, the Treasury in 2014 extended the proposed austerity period until at least 2018.

Since its implementation, the austerity cuts have led to rising domestic anger against Cameron’s government. Activists are particularly criticizing the cuts for their disproportionate impacts on the vulnerable people – specifically the disabled.

And worst yet, there have been thousands who have died as a result of these cuts, which may explain why the UN has decided to single out the UK for its investigation.

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