NHS Cuts - Who is to blame?

The Liberal Democrats played a crucial role in ushering in austerity economics

I was taken by surprise at the content of recent leaflets posted by the Liberal Democrats. They mention “fighting to get progress on important new facilities for our NHS and education, additional training services, more NHS dentistry and a cut to teacher unemployment.” and a need to “improve public transport”.

They mention “lobbying the SNP Government, at Holyrood, the Glasgow Health Board and East Dunbartonshire Council.”  Clearly trying to convince you that the Scottish Government were primarily to blame for these problems.

They are assuming you will not realise that the Liberal Democrats played a crucial role in this deteriorating situation.  It was the Liberal Democrats in coalition with the Conservative in the UK Government in 2010 which brought in Austerity Economics.  The prime intention specifically being to reduce public spending including on the NHS, Education, Public transport etc.  

Every UK Government since then has continued that policy.

The problems in the NHS have become worse not because of the Scottish Government, but despite their efforts, which included recently increasing NHS wages to help avoid the serious strikes which happened in England.  The worth of these wages are still much lower than in 2010, prior to Austerity Economics.  As a result staff numbers have reduced.  Unsurprisingly, as mentioned in the Lib/Dem leaflet, “Access to health care has got worse.” Due to their policy.  NHS waiting times, although better than in England, are still longer than they could be.

One recent effect is that G.P. surgeries can often offer only emergency appointments due to reduced staff numbers. 

The Lib/Dem leaflet mentions “more people are struggling”.  At least, despite Austerity Economics, the Scottish Government has ensured prescriptions are free in Scotland while they cost £9.65 per prescription in England. 

Jim Stamper
15/04/24

References:

Prescription charges England 2023 - Search (bing.com)