Is austerity really over? DISCUSSION - BBC Newsnight

Austerity in the UK is supposed to be ending, but many local services lie in tatters after almost a decade of cuts.

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[smudgersmith]

The dictionary definition of austerity; harsh, strict, severe, without luxury. Ask the people and parents that experienced the great depression of the 1920's and the aftermath of two twentieth century World Wars about austerity, I'm sure the survivors of these events will put you in the picture !! From my experience this, "modern" form of austerity bears no resemblance whatsoever to the dictionary definition and, as such only a small minority of people today can say that they are truly suffering. The majority it seems, cry austerity if they cannot have the latest designer gear, mobile phone or new car. If I can get by on £4-25 an hour as a pensioner its a puzzle to me that most families on far greater benefits say they struggle. When one of the poorest council house areas close to where I live sports the highest proportion of satellite dishes it does tend to make you a little bit cynical with regards to, "austerity". (ps; no I don't own a TV let alone a satellite dish).
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[DGOR]

Austerity should never have been implemented.

[Tubeflux]

Re-discussing austerity measures... yes. That’s necessary. That’s just the beginning of a new era of politics...!

[abcun]

"Austerity" is just a middle-fingered salute from the rich to the poor. Notice how "austerity" never seems to apply to the rich and the corporations, who are oftentimes the ones responsible for creating the environment and conditions which bring about the said austerity. It is the direct result and after-effect of their bottomless greed and profound lack of responsibility, underlined by the absence of any consequences.

[jameswhiteley]

Cut mass-immigration to help public services and the housing shortage. Also, change the banking system.

[dougie]

Austerity will be over when we drive out the ideologues in government. It's patently obvious that their economics don't work - even compared to Europe, we're performing poorly. We need investment in our economy and we're going to need higher taxes. And since ordinary Britons can't take much more, we're going to have to change our relationship with big business.

[nathanielharms]

No no no the queen looks at it this way if you're having trouble paying your taxes then I'll put a tax collector on your salary see the problem has been solved your taxes are paid your people they would be getting more money if I didn't have to send them a damn tax collector

[MarjorieMay-kcls]

The Council in Britain are mostly Labou Council run by backward greedy Muslim Councils that are giving all the homes to their Brothers and Sisters. The is far too many of them in power. How dull is our Parliament getting. Yes the lolly pop woman in a face vail and full on burqa.the kids are afraid of them. They thing they are black Ghosts. It is a disgrace they are allowed to dress like ghat with their face covered up working with young children. Anyone could be under the burqa and vail. Could even have a gun or knife. This is very worrying around children. This is so who ever is under tbe buqa and face vail cannot be detected. This has to stop. I think we should partition against it. They are getting far too much of their own way. It is not only dangerous it is down right stupid to allow this. The one I saw looked like she fell out of a liquorish all sorts box. With the two bright colours over her Burqa.

[nathanielharms]

Eat the meat the meat the meat eat the meat don't you know presents are to beat

[Commonsenseprevails]

Society gone soft and the rich greedy. Get these lazy benefit scroungers and them that are on sick back to work. I know 2 people that are on sick for little more than a bad knee. If everyone else knows at least one or two, that's a lot of people. Stop giving handouts to lazy people

[mark-shane]

Another Socialist Mayor tax and spend