Fawcett comments on Autumn Budget 2017

22 November 2017

The Chancellor of the Exchequer gave his Autumn Budget to Parliament on 22 November 2017. Responding to the Budget Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of the Fawcett Society, said:

"This budget has proved to a bit of a non-event for women. The chancellor has failed to respond to the reality of women's lives, particularly black and minority ethnic women who are amongst the poorest.

"Universal credit needs fundamental reform not cosmetic tinkering. What he has announced is wholly inadequate.

"Our social infrastructure needs investment but instead it has been ignored.

"Without any equalities impact assessment the Treasury have no way of knowing who will be adversely affected. But overall the winners are not women."

Latest

Transforming Early Childhood Education and Care: Part 2

Fawcett's new report draws on expertise from around the world to create a blueprint for an ECEC system that is not only fit for purpose, but fit for the future.
Join our movement for women's rights

We campaign for gender equality. At home, at work, and in public life. Join us — become a Fawcett member today!
A Bookshop of One's Own

Author of Stand We At Last and longstanding Fawcett member Zoe Fairbairns reviews Jane Cholmeley's A Bookshop of One's Own.
FAQs - Public Harms Call for Evidence

Fawcett welcomes Labour's proposals for a Race Equality Act

Labour has taken up a number of Fawcett proposals in their plans to introduce a Race Equality Act.
WE WON: Fawcett complaint about Clarkson column upheld on basis of sexism

This is the first time the Independent Press Standards Organisations (IPSO) has upheld a complaint on the basis of sexism.
Our new Chair, Harriet Harman

Mother of the House Harriet Harman joins the Fawcett Society as incoming Chair.
Take action to save legislation tackling sexual harassment

Write to your MP asking them to help save the Worker Protection Bill and ensure protections for women from sexual harassment.
Alliance update on the Worker Protection Bill

We urge the Government to ensure the safe passage of the Worker Protection Bill through the House of Lords.
Fawcett responds to latest gender pay gap reporting

The high level of reporting today is good news, but it is disappointing that progress on closing the gender pay gap has all but stagnated.
New data from Fawcett shows 95% of local councils are male-dominated

New analysis published today shows that local councils across the UK remain vastly male-dominated.
Fawcett responds to Met Police review

We, like so many, are disturbed by the findings of Baroness Casey's year-long review of the Metropolitan Police.
Fawcett responds to government amendment to bill about workplace sexual harassment

With our partners from across the women and equalities sector, Fawcett responds to government's amendment to the Worker Protection Bill.
Fawcett calls for urgent reforms to the early years and childcare system

Fawcett responds to the Government's changing position on childcare reform.

Who we are

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. If you believe in a society where no one is prevented from reaching their full potential because of their gender, join us today.
Work with us
Join our movement for women's rights

We campaign for gender equality. At home, at work, and in public life. Join us — become a Fawcett member today!
Our history

Millicent Fawcett began campaigning for women’s equality in 1866, and was instrumental in achieving first votes for women in 1918. At The Fawcett Society, we’ve continued her legacy of fighting sexism through impactful research and hard-hitting campaigns for over 155 years.
Close the gender pay gap

Did you know it will take 100 years to close the gender pay gap at current rates? We cannot afford to keep going backwards.
Fawcett research shows exposure to gender stereotypes as a child causes harm in later life

7 MARCH 2019: New polling today shows ‘significant and wide-ranging consequences for both women and men’.
Equal Pay

The Equal Pay Act in the UK is not fit for purpose. We're calling to end pay secrecy with a legal 'Right to Know'. The time for change is now.
Find a local group

We’re delighted to have a growing number of active and effective local women’s rights meet ups, who work in the local community to enforce change and campaign on our behalf. Their work is invaluable to Fawcett.
Sex Discrimination Law Review

How do we make equality law in the UK fit for the 21st century? Create a fairer and more equal society by supporting our Law Review.
Equality – it’s about time: Timeline of women’s rights 1866-2016

29 JANUARY 2016