the cuts: a grim warning
by Milton Keynesman
The British government is playing with fire as it implements cuts (though, as we know, they’re not actually cuts because, by 2014, the UK will be spending more, in real terms, than two years ago, but let’s call them “cuts” all the same or it’ll spoil a good opinion-piece).
If the government spends less of our money for us, there is a grave risk that we shall spend it on what we need and want, rather than on what other people think is best for us. Cuts could mean less superfluous administration in public services and, perhaps, a better attitude on the part of otherwise surly public servants who have slight worries about their job-security.
Cuts could release into the workforce thousands of people, some of them educated and skilled, and there is a serious risk that such personnel might start businesses. These new firms could give employment to others and, worse, provide goods and services that customers want. Worse still, such enterprises could help Britain export more and increase the tax-take.
If this deranged government goes further and actually cuts taxes, there is a serious risk of greater wealth in people’s hands. If they cut state-debt, there is the threat of our having to pay less interest on it. If they avoid printing more pounds, we face the terrifying prospect of low inflation.
It gives me no pleasure to paint this alarming picture of Britain reeling from the government’s reckless spending-increases. I mean cuts.
