In a detailed report, fully supporting ‘the Government’s aim to eliminate the deficit in this Parliament by reforming public spending, not just cutting it’, the intellectual wing of the public service industrial complex gives some pointers to the agenda of right wing lobbyists:
· it is critical of the proposed restoration of the link between pensions and earnings noting begrudgingly that the measure ‘will cost tens of billions in the long term’.
· it targets universal child benefit, winter fuel payments, free bus passes and free TV licences – disparagingly referring to these modest state benefits as ‘middle class welfare’ and advocates means testing or outright abolition!
· it notes with concern that central Government remains ‘in charge’ of the NHS and the civil service, calling for private financing of health care.
The neo liberal agenda promoted by Reform is reminiscent of the early 1980’s contractor funded lobbying which preceded CCT and privatisation in the NHS and local government. Expect to hear and read more of it as this well funded ‘independent’ organisation works its oracle with media opinion formers and government ministers.