Tories have pushed back our taxing problems | Letters

Readers on whether Jeremy Hunt's budget will help to revive the UK's public services and tackle economic problems

Seeing a Tory government increase taxes on nearly everyone is incredible (Biggest hit to living standards on record as Hunt lays out autumn statement, 17 November). At last the Tories realise that, to have a civilised society, we need well-funded public institutions providing the services needed to make it work for all.

Or do they? In your standfirst online you write: Austerity is pushed back until after the next election amid evidence of higher energy bills and a protracted recession", which indicates that the Tories hope this is a temporary measure. This is despite the fact that we now know why we are in such a deep mess: the last decade of severe funding cuts to all public bodies is clearly the fault of previous Tory government policies.