and also in forced stricter means testing on people claiming benefits. They also reduced the four essential services provided by the state (NHS, Education, Transport and Housing) by not increasing the funding in 'real terms' and actively encouraging the private sector to grow. Other measures were in placed such as the end of earnings-related unemployment benefit and to end the obligation to increase basic unemployment in line with prices. Pension and long-term benefits were also affected. Savings on these cuts between 1979-1988 mounted to a massive £4 Billion (Guardian, 25 April 1988).
             The first Budget by the elected Conse
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