Gordon Brown will have to find some more money from somewhere if public services fail to improve sufficiently in the coming year to convince voters. Robert Chote and Carl Emmerson consider his options.
In the coming year, Chancellor Gordon Brown faces two big questions, the answers to which will shape the government's tax and spending strategy for the next general election. First, are the increases in spending he has already put in place finally delivering the improvements in public services that both he and voters are looking for? And second, if not, are the public finances in strong enough shape to do anything more about it? He will need the answers to both by the time of next year's Budget and Spending Review, but for now the jury is out.
Authors
Carl Emmerson
Carl, a Deputy Director, is an editor of the IFS Green Budget, is expert on the UK pension system and sits on the Social Security Advisory Committee.
Robert Chote
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