ICESCR concluding observations 2025, paragraph 23
Plain English recommendation
Government should:
(a) Carry out an independent review to understand how budget cuts (austerity) made since 2010 have affected economic, social and cultural rights. The review should focus on disadvantaged groups of people, consider impacts in different regions of the UK, and consider the effects of policy changes since the 2010 cuts;
(b) Take all the necessary steps to reverse negative effects of public budget cuts (austerity), especially on job services, social security, social care, housing, health, education, public transport, infrastructure, legal aid and local government services;
(c) Consider how efforts to reduce government spending are affecting people’s rights under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and take steps to reduce any negative impacts.
Original UN recommendation
The Committee urges the State Party:
(a) To conduct an independent assessment of the cumulative impact of the austerity measures introduced since 2010 on economic, social and cultural rights, focusing on disadvantaged groups, regional disparities and the effects of subsequent policy shifts;
(b) To take all measures necessary to reverse the adverse impact of the austerity measures, particularly on employment services, social security, social care, housing, health, education, public transport and infrastructure, legal aid and local authorities’ services;
(c) To assess the impact of the ongoing fiscal consolidation on Covenant rights and take measures to mitigate any adverse effects.
Date of UN examination
12/03/2025
Original UN document
Download the original ICESCR concluding observations 2025 on the UN website.
Last updated on 21/08/2025