The Spring Budget presents chancellor Jeremy Hunt with the opportunity to reshape the British economy through their policies. In recent years, they have don’t seem to have tried to do that very hard.
Tipping into a recession at the end of 2023, the economy is in a perilous state, keenly felt by those in poverty. Inflation and interest rates remain high; shopping and borrowing is expensive. Housing is scarce, and public services are on their knees.
Fundamental change is likely only to come with a new parliament, whether that’s a new party in office, or the same party with a fresh mandate. In the meantime, even long-announced policies are floundering, like the mythical ban on section 21 evictions. In their place, we’re getting things like a ban on mobile phones in schools.
Yet, with talk of tax cuts dominating, it’s clear the government believes some can be won over with Hunt’s budget. So why not win over those who know all about the country’s social problems?
In this week’s Big Issue we’ve put together a wishlist. From housing to libraries, disabilities rights to the loss of cultural venues, these are the big issues that could be addressed to make countless lives better.
This week we also celebrate National Vendor Week. We’re proud to announce that we’ve been able to help 8% more people year-on-year as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. Our vendors collectively earned over £4m thanks to people like you buying magazines. Thank you for doing so and don’t miss the latest edition!
