Michael Burton 29 November 2019

Voters face 'stark choice' on public spending - IFS

The choice could not be clearer on public spending plans by the main political parties according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

In its analysis of the party manifestos, PIFS director Paul Johnson said: ‘Rarely can a starker choice have been placed before the UK electorate. The implication of the Conservative manifesto is that they believe most aspects of public policy are just fine as they are. Little in the way of changes to tax, spending, welfare or anything else. Yes, there are some spending increases for health and education already promised, but essentially nothing new in the manifesto.'

He added: ‘Labour, by contrast, want to change everything. Their vision is of a state with a far greater role than anything we have seen for more than 40 years. They would tax and spend more than ever before, putting in place a new universal welfare state with free childcare, free university, free personal care, free prescriptions and more besides.’

In a low-key manifesto the Conservatives propose an extra £3bn on top of an already pledged £34bn increase in spending over the next five years compared to Labour’s extra £73bn and the Liberal Democrats’ £33bn. The latter two parties have also promised extra funding for social care but neither would prevent catastrophic costs from long-term nursing care. Mr Johnson derided Conservative promises that no one need to sell their home to fund care as ‘an uncosted aspiration.’

Conservative plans would leave public spending outside health by 2023/24 still 14% lower than in 2010/11 while Labour’s plans would reverse cuts. However Mr Johnson questioned whether the public sector had the capacity to deliver such a huge increase while in contrast the Conservatives’ promise to hold down spending ‘looks remote.’

He said Conservative plans envisaged annual borrowing of 2% of GDP, Labour 3.5% and the Liberal Democrats a reduction.

What’s happening inside the LGPS? image

What’s happening inside the LGPS?

Get the most informed take on the challenges and opportunities that substantial reform will bring at this year’s PLSA Local Authority Conference.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner