Six in ten think spending cuts will hit older people more than other generations

This new report commissioned by poverty charity, Elizabeth Finn Care, sets out three principles for maintaining intergenerational fairness in relation to the Spending Review. First, it argues that it should impact fairly across different generations; second, that it should not exacerbate the causes of poverty in later life and lastly, it should not undermine the drivers of increased longevity.

A opinion survey published as part of the report, reveals that the public thinks that transport (63%), out-of-work benefits (54%) and defence (44%) are the top three areas the Chancellor should target for spending cuts.

The survey also shows that nearly two-thirds of people (65%) think that job creation should take precedence over reducing government debt.

Moreover, four in five over-65s think that spending on their age group should be protected – as did over seven in ten 16-24 year olds. Perhaps unsurprisingly, a quarter of 16-24 year olds would target pensions for cuts, whilst just 15% of over-65s agree.

Somewhat counter-intuitively, younger people were also more likely (one third of 16-24 year olds) to target education for cuts than older people (one in five aged over 65).

Authors: Craig Berry and David Sinclair