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As the constitutional battle intensifies, public services are becoming collateral damage. The Brexit frenzy, combined with preparations for a general election, has torpedoed the chances of any semblance of financial stability returning to government spending.
The chancellor, Sajid Javid, will present a one-year public spending round on 4 September instead of planning for the usual three-year review. This will give departments short-term funding once the current spending plans come to an end in March 2020.
In political terms, it will position the Conservatives for a general election and allow officials to concentrate on leaving the EU.
There will be some pre-election largesse – some real, some sleight of hand – delivering the cash to honour pledges already made by the prime minister on policing, schools and the National Health Service.
source: Guardian Society
published: 30 August 2019
