UK Women’s Budget Group Director Mary-Ann Stephenson described the Budget 2017 as "tinkering at the margins" of problems rather than concentrating at the systemic changes and investment needed.
In a press release released after Budget day on Wednesday, Stephenson responded to Chancellor Hammond’s presentation. Making reference to family, NHS, education and care system budgets, she said the budgets are stretched to a breaking point and there is need for decisive action if the country is to build a stronger, fairer and better Britain.
“What we saw today in the main was a series of relatively minor announcements which failed to address underlying issues,” she said.
While welcoming the 185 million pounds Hammond set aside to address the waiting time for Universal Credit, Stephenson says this barely addresses the issues with the scheme’s design and cuts.
“Our research with the Runnymede Trust shows that as a result of changes to Universal Credit, women on average will lose more than men."
Speaking on education, social care and health spending, Stephenson also said the budget does not adequately address the constraints facing these sectors.
“The additional funding for pupils taking maths, more computer science teachers and £1000 extra per teacher for training, is welcome, but does not address the budget squeeze facing the sector.
“The Chancellor failed to say anything about the continued crisis in social care.
“£2.8bn over three years is insufficient to deal with the crisis in the health service,” said the Women’s Budget Group boss.
Director Stephenson welcomed the significant pronouncements made on housing but was also quick to point out that “the continued focus on home ownership doesn’t address the concerns by those in greatest housing need.”
Stephenson further criticised Chancellor Hammond for failing to recognise the importance of social as well as physical infrastructure in his calls for investment.
“Social infrastructure (including health, education, and care) is as vital to the economy as roads, rail and investment in high tech,” concluded Stephenson.