Populist politics is stopping us building back better
THERE are lies, damned lies and statistics. Dr Andy Sloan (Headroom for taxes a ‘mirage’, 22 September) shows that government spending has outgrown GDP since zero-10. He argues that wages lag so far behind profits growth that there is no headroom for tax rises. He doesn’t mention that zero-10 was swiftly followed by the credit crunch. Profits growth was sustained by pay freezes, often for years at a time. Is it any wonder that welfare costs have grown?
Not to worry. Deputy Nick Moakes (GP 23 September) has all the answers. Equal pay, affordable doctor’s appointments and NICE drugs are all nice-to-haves, and there are huge savings and efficiencies to be made. Doesn’t he know that since zero-10 we have saved £30m. a year by squeezing costs until the pips squeak? Of course he doesn’t. He has only been here since April 2019. The rest of the Assembly has no such excuse.
We have no chance of building back better as long as the ruling block vote in the Assembly continues pandering to populism.
ANDY OFFEN
Blois
Port Soif Lane
Vale
GY6 8AG