UK politics

Civil legal-aid spending fell, but lost tax receipts, court transfers, provider strain and household burdens were never measured on one comparable account.

Brexit was sold as control returning to ordinary people. Ten years later, the clearest winner was UK government power, while citizens lost automatic EU rights and many small businesses gained friction.

Welfare cuts can reduce one government budget while increasing pressure on households, appeals, the NHS, councils, unpaid carers, and other public services.