I have today stated that budgetary decisions should be audited for their effect on all groups in society as the previous Government's budgetary measures impacted disproportionately on those on lower incomes.
According to TASC, previous budgetary decisions had a disproportionate impact on groups such as lone-parent households and single low-earners. These groups, they state, include households that are most at risk of poverty and are therefore least able to absorb further reductions in their income.
I firmly believe that the lesson of these past budgetary decisions should be that all decisions on issues like taxation and social welfare are subject to an assessment of the impact they will have on different groups across society. These cumulative changes should then be audited on the basis of the equality of these impacts.
Like all Deputies in the house, I have had numerous meetings with individuals and civil society groups in advance of the budget. These meetings bring home the importance of a fair approach to resolving our budgetary challenges.
With this in mind, we must frame budgetary decision making on the basis of equality, to ensure those who are most vulnerable are least impacted.
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