Social justice frameworks for measuring the impact of austerity Mary-Ann Stephenson

Fairness Fairness Commissions focus on socio-economic inequality, not always other justice issues Can provide a frame that is easier for some to accept than ‘justice’ Can be used to obscure issues of justice Can be used for unjust ends: ‘it is not fair if people on benefits receive more than people in work therefore we need to cut benefits’

Equality Measure disproportionate number of certain groups among those affected Measure disproportionate impact on certain groups Do not always cover socio-economic inequality Myth that specialist (e.g. Women only) services not allowed

Human Rights Allows focus on due process and severity of impact May provide a better frame for some issues e.g. Cuts to social care better seen in terms of inhuman and degrading treatment than disproportionate impact on elderly and disabled people In UK context often limited to 1998 Human Rights Act so ignoring social and economic rights

Civil society impact assessments Combining Human Rights and Equality (including socio-economic equality) Intersectional Cumulative

Housing benefit Child benefit Police &CPS Legal Aid Health Children’s services Universal credit VAW services Victims and Survivors of Violence

Over 100 assessments of impact of austerity: cts/spendingcuts/resources/database/reportsgroups