The cuts: UK’s damaged future

This short paper follows the culmination of a larger programme of work that CLES Consulting has been undertaking with UNISON over the past two years.

CLES Consulting has explored the economic and social impacts of the cuts in a number of locations, providing an evidence base which highlights the weakening of the UK as a whole and the potential damage these changes are causing to localities. In particular, we have undertaken detailed studies assessing the impacts of locally derived spending cuts. The learning from this work is reflected within this paper which provides a number of key messages for central government, local government and wider society. It analyses the nature of the cuts and what needs to be done to ensure places remain resilient to change, can take advantage of opportunities and protect the most vulnerable.