The social consequences of spending cuts are being ignored by ministers who are only looking at the financial and economic affects, according to the government’s socio-cultural advisory unit SCP.

Until now, the Netherlands has withstood the crisis well but is at the point of going the other way, SCP researcher Robert Bijl is quoted by the Telegraaf as saying. The outlook is gloomy and almost everyone will be affected by the new cuts, Bijl said at the publication of a new report out on Wednesday.
The government has embarked on a package of cuts and other measures aimed at generating €18bn in savings.
For example, there is a real risk that psychiatric patients will not be able to pay towards the cost of their care and will end up on the streets, the SCP warns. This will end up costing society more.
Childcare
Similarly, cuts in funding for childcare will generate savings but will likely lead to some women working less or giving up work altogether. ‘This measure has not been thought through properly,’ Bijl is quoted as saying by the Telegraaf.
Some 60% of people polled by the SCP thought the country is in trouble, while 25% thought things are going well. Nevertheless, 80% are positive about their own financial position.
In particular, the quality of life for people on low incomes, non-western immigrants and pensioners has improved over the past ten years, the SCP said.
The SCP draws up a report on the state of the nation on behalf of parliament every two years.
For the main points: Socio-economic forecast – bright with showers later