How and Why Have Government Spending Policies Changed Since 1997?

545 Words3 Pages
Since 1997, there have been many changes in government spending policies. Between 1997-2010, the Labour government used the Golden Rule, fiscal policy of spending as a means for economic growth whereas the coalition government from 2010 - present had introduced huge spending cuts. The first reason as to why government spending policies changed since 1997 is the change in ideologies of the different political parties in government. Blair for example used the golden rule, fiscal policy and other demand-side policies that he would help growth. The labour party between 1997-2010 put their ideologies into practice by increasing spending and borrowing and well as raising taxes. The coalition government on the other hand, of which is dominated by the conservative party, deals with the economy through saving and supply-side policies. This was exercised through reducing income tax from 50%-40% when earning above around £35,000 a year. These differences in ideologies are reasons why government spending policies have changed since 1997. When labour became government in 1997, Blair’s most fundamental and prioritised aim was focused on education. Between 1997-2007, there was a 48% rise in core funding per pupil. In September 1998 however, every student was made to pay £1000 tuition fees for higher education. By 2010, when the coalition government came to power, cuts were made towards the education system by approximately 80% and students presently have to pay around £9000 tuition fees for higher education a year. This government spending policy changed due to the change in government. Blair invested billions into education in order to maximise the benefits of education and grow economically as a result. The coalition government sought this to be a huge drain of the current economy; massively adding to the deficit and so dramatic cuts to this sector were introduced.
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