Poor and powerful clash over savage cuts

BRITAIN’S poor and powerful clashed yesterday over who will lose out most under austerity measures that will slash benefits, jobs and government services to reduce the country’s crippling debts.

Treasury chief George Osborne has announced £81 billion (€91bn) in spending cuts through 2015 that will cost as many as half a million public sector jobs and trim welfare payments to families and the disabled.

Government departments will, on average, have their budgets cut by about 19%, forcing them to lay off staff and limit the scope of their work.