to ask why reducing the deficit is such a focus?

[workadurka]

I understand that we have to pay significant interest on the deficit thus paying it off would free up more budget for public spending - but why is it such a focus now?

We've had a deficit for decades and decades. But as far as I remember no-one really mentioned it as a problem until the last election.

And despite (some would say because of) austerity, the deficit grows and grows.

Can't help thinking it has been blown out of all proportion by this govt to justify their agenda of welfare cuts and short termist selling off of UK public assets.

I get really frustrated when all the debates are about deficit/EU/Immigrants and overshadow more urgent issues like getting children out of poverty.

But Somewhere if that's true why is this govt borrowing more than previous, not invedting much in infrastructure, and selling off potentially valuable investments (at crappy prices eg Post Office and Eurotunnel)?

Workadurka, the graph that I posted a link to upthread (and below) shows that the government has been reducing the deficit fromt the peak in the last year of labour government. They have been reducing it gradually year on year. When the Tories have proposed reducing the deficit faster, it has been condemmed by those across the house.
I do agree that the lack of infrastructure investment is a concern though.
static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/3/20/1363802502484/Deficits-by-chancellor-001.jpg