Taken together, the cuts to Sure Start, libraries, school sports partnerships, the education maintenance allowance (EMA), the Future Jobs Fund and the higher education budget are a devastating blow to children and young people. Meanwhile, the cost of running even a reduced network of children's centres has left little else for early intervention. The Fawcett Society estimates that women have shouldered 72 per cent of the burden of welfare and tax reforms so far, but once other factors such as childcare are taken into account they say it is likely to be more.
The government argues that short-term pain will help to create stability and prosperity in the long term. Yet, even if this strategy is a success, it poses a particular problem for younger children and older teenagers whose needs are immediate and who suffer disproportionately for every year they are denied support.
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