Letter: IFS and cuts

Paul Sewell (Letters, 23 October) is misguided at best. The Institute for Fiscal Studies, now in its 40th year, is a well respected and independent body rarely given to extravagant claims, and much quoted by members of the coalition in the past.

Presenting the figures in percentage terms rather than as he suggested, in cash terms, is probably more benign rather than headline seeking.

If anyone pauses to think for a moment, the impact of losing 560 per year out of an already very low income of 10,000 must be harder to bear and cope with than losing 3,420 out of 76,000 (his figures).

What we have just seen is a regressive, dangerous and ill-thought through policy which may well hasten, rather than avoid, a further recession.

(Emeritus Professor) Stewart Hamilton

Hillhouse Road

Edinburgh