Politics and Public Service

Pre Budget Report - How we all need to tighten our belts

Alistair Darling last week announced his pre budget report - a mid term look at how the country's finances stand and the measures needed to bring the country out of recession.

The report was greeted with a mix of discontent and outright condemnation as inevitable cut backs in spending were announced, along with promises to 'ring fence' funding to 'frontline services'. Quite what is meant by 'frontline' is questionable, as is the suggestion that these measures are merely a stunt to get through the next general election.

If we consider the global financial situation - which, to a simple observer, seems a little precarious to say the least, the Chancellor has very little choice. There is a limited pot of money and limitless worthy causes to spend it on. Decision must be taken and those decisions are difficult and have loss attached.

If we are to see hope for the future, perhaps reflecting on the current political situation and the necessary evil of funding cuts will bring a sense of accountability and responsibility for the future. Hopefully, gone are the days of reckless and arrogant risk taking with the country's piggy bank, giving way to a beginning of responsible and considered spending with a view to stability, rather than big bonuses.What is essential, what can be cut - and how do we deal with the fallout?

In connecting this issue to our own lives, the same principles can apply. Are you in charge of an ever reducing budget? How do you feel when you have to make inevitable cutbacks? How can your faith help inform how you deal with difficult decisions? Are you on the recieving end of funding cuts? How do you see your future? How does your faith help inform how you cope? Whether the budget is for billions to be spent on the needs of the nation, or the weekly food bill to be spent on the needs of a family, what report would you give and how would you build strategies to cope with cutting back?