Letters to the Editor

Spending Cuts and Second Class Stamps

To the Editor,

I write today with an overflowing sense of both fiscal and festive confusion, inspired by two announcements that seem to encapsulate the modern condition: Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s upcoming review of the government’s spending plans — widely believed to be a cost-cutting exercise in disguise — and my own deeply principled decision to abandon Christmas cards this year because the cost of a second class stamp is now more expensive than the card itself.

The Chancellor’s "review," we are told, is not about cuts—oh no, perish the thought—but rather about "prioritisation." Prioritisation, of course, is political shorthand for “we’re getting rid of something you like, but we’ll make it sound noble while we do it.” I wonder: will Rachel Reeves use her review to cut government spending on, say, stamps? Because at this point, I’d almost prefer to see a budget dedicated entirely to affordable postage over whatever nebulous buzzwords are currently funding “levelling up.”

Meanwhile, my refusal to send Christmas cards has become its own exercise in personal austerity. At 75p a pop for second class postage, I’d have to take out a small loan just to keep in touch with my relatives. Never mind the rising costs of the cards themselves, which are now so overpriced that they may as well come with a mortgage application. Is it any wonder I’ve decided to forgo the whole charade and send festive texts instead? (Although even that feels risky given data plan prices.)

And yet, I can’t help but see parallels. Reeves is trimming the fat from the government’s budget, just as I am trimming the frivolities of festive greetings. Her review promises to deliver a "leaner" public sector, and my own anti-card stance promises a leaner mantlepiece and fewer papercuts. The difference, of course, is that my decision won’t result in thousands of disgruntled civil servants or the cancellation of your local bin collection. At least, I don’t think it will.

Is this where we are as a society? Forced to choose between fiscal responsibility and human connection, between second class stamps and second class public services? Perhaps the real lesson here is that life, much like Christmas, is best celebrated with a sense of bewilderment, a touch of thrift, and a very short to-do list.

Yours in festive frugality and political puzzlement,
A Confused Observer of Budgets and Baubles