No party looks truly ready to confront tax-resistant voters with some hard questions
Difficulty of curbing growing state spending on a policy tied to broader problem of ageism
Think-tanks argue sensitive policy change should not be driven by need to meet fiscal rules
Keir Starmer’s retreat symbolises end of high-handed forceful approach to managing MPs
Dissent against leadership is partly a result of poor policy rationale, partly poor MP management
Super sector shows how Britain’s perceived cultural soft power punches above its economic weight
Opponents of government bill seek to pressure ministers into making changes to benefit reforms
Benefits system must get better at reducing poverty but these spending cuts will not solve the problem
Ministers argue unpopular cuts to welfare payments are part of mission to get people into work and off benefits
Experience of public services means more than strict definitions and optimistic forecasts
UK government announces consultation on ‘progressive’ redistribution of local authority funding
With the NHS in triage mode, business and society need to shift to prevention of ill health
Trains may also need to run at slower speeds initially in order to prevent years of additional testing, report says
Chancellor’s comments come despite US pressure on Nato countries to rapidly boost their militaries
Strategy will start with programme to repair crumbling bridges, flyovers and tunnels
From housing to transport, infrastructure could be delivered faster using the finance models of earlier eras
Ministers are trying to head off a growing welfare rebellion from MPs
We have higher expectations of services than providers can offer from the taxes we actually want to pay
Keir Starmer’s key ‘milestones’ include cutting NHS waiting lists, improving policing and building more affordable homes
Analysis indicates spending of about £3bn a year until 2029, similar to AHP’s money for current financial year
Also in this week’s newsletter, funding for new houses is not what it seems
Decision follows calls from sector to end a ban on the contentious schemes
UK chancellor warned ‘something important may have to give’ to fill expected fiscal hole
While the party shows largesse on capital spending, it pencils in pretty tight settlements for public services
Talks on scheme failed to reach deal before Wednesday’s announcement
