The Spending Review is a step in the right direction for women. But there's more to do
3 min read
The Spending Review contained bold commitments on health and housing that will improve women’s lives. But a failure to properly fund local services will be felt particularly hard by women.
The Spending Review was an important moment for women across the UK. It was trailed as a turning point, and in some ways, it was. After over a decade of cuts that have gutted public services and hit women hardest — especially the poorest, disabled and Black, Asian and minority ethnic women — the Chancellor’s announcements on housing, transport, and health signal a long-awaited shift in priorities in some areas.
But there were also critical gaps, leaving vital local public services without the improvement needed to make people feel like austerity is really over, not just on the spreadsheet.
For years, women have been disproportionately affected by cuts to public services, stagnant wages and a chronic lack of affordable housing. The Chancellor’s commitment to invest in public transport and social and affordable housing is a much-needed change in direction. Her recognition that borrowing to invest in these areas is good for the economy is a vital step forward.
Women, particularly single mothers and those on low incomes, are more likely to rely on social housing. The additional investment in social affordable homes and tackling homelessness will have a direct, positive impact on women’s lives, offering the security and stability that has been out of reach for too long. Safe, affordable housing is not just a roof over one’s head; it is the foundation for women’s economic independence, health, and well-being.
The Chancellor’s acknowledgment before the Spending Review of the importance of “soft infrastructure” — health, social care, childcare and education — is an important shift in tone. Investment in the NHS, including efforts to clear record waiting lists, will make a real difference to families up and down the country. For women, who are more likely to use the NHS, be carers and to work in health and social care, these commitments matter deeply.
However, when we look at the fine print, we see that other critical areas for women still face tight budgets.
The decision to hold day-to-day government spending to just 1.2 per cent in real terms leaves little room for transformative investment in the services women rely on most.
Local government is staring down yet another round of real-terms cuts as other departments receive more. Years of underfunding have left local councils struggling to maintain essential services. When these services are cut, women pay the price — whether through lost jobs, reduced support or increased unpaid work at home. Specialist services for survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, already stretched to breaking point, face an uncertain future as local government and police budgets are squeezed. These services change and save lives, but without proper funding, they simply cannot meet the demand, with thousands stuck on waiting lists.
For the government to deliver a fairer, more resilient economy, it must match its ambition for physical infrastructure with investment in the social infrastructure that underpins women’s lives. This means making the tax system more progressive — taxing wealth and income from wealth at the same rate as income from work — to fund the services that benefit us all. Plans for a wealth tax are supported by the majority of millionaires, according to recent polling, and have public backing.
The Spending Review offers hope for change, with bold commitments on housing and health that will improve women’s lives. But without a stronger focus on social infrastructure and local services, too many women will continue to face insecurity and inequality. The government must go further — because women, and the country, deserve nothing less.
Mary-Ann Stephenson is Director of the Women’s Budget Group.
