Nigel Farage claimed that scrapping all diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) policies across public bodies would save taxpayers £7 billion. But new data shows his figures are wildly off.
🔢 Real DEI cost: £27 million
Farage insists his party would fund big promises—like bringing back winter fuel payments and removing the two-child benefit cap—by axing DEI spending. Reform UK cited thousands of freedom of information requests to justify the £7 billion estimate. However, the Cabinet Office’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Review reports that the Civil Service spent just £27.1 million on DEI in 2022/23.
A Cabinet Office source snapped:
“Maths is clearly not his strong suit. It’s terrifying to think what he’d do to working families’ finances if he ever got near power.”
💷 Farage’s “small change” defense
In response, Reform UK said the £7 billion figure covers not only government departments but also universities, school boards, emergency services, and the Armed Forces. They argue DEI spending across all public sector bodies, not just the Civil Service, adds up to billions. But critics say that claim remains unproven and appears exaggerated.
🚀 Starmer’s “Liz Truss 2.0” slash
Prime Minister Keir Starmer slammed Farage’s uncosted pledges as a repeat of Liz Truss’s mini-Budget fiasco. In a speech in the North West, Starmer said:
“Farage wants to carry out a mad experiment that would hammer family finances. It’s the same bet—spend tens of billions on tax cuts without a way to pay for them. Using your mortgage and bills as gambling chips.”
Labour analysis estimates Farage’s plan to raise the tax-free allowance to £20 000 could cost £80 billion. That could add £5 500 to the average family’s mortgage each year.
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