Press Story

Responding to today’s spending review, Harry Quilter-Pinner, executive director at IPPR, said:

“Even after the Budget, which raised taxes and increased borrowing, the government still had to make tough choices today.

“There are much needed big increases in investment in infrastructure, especially transport and housing, which will make a huge difference to the economy – helping to drive growth and living standards. There are also welcome increases in funding for public services, including the NHS and schools.

“But in other areas we have yet to hear how the government will solve the big challenges facing the country: social care, universities and local authorities all face tough years ahead after years of under-investment and cuts, for example. If the government wants to tackle these challenges, as voters expect it to, it will have to look again at taxes over the coming years.”

ENDS

Harry Quilter-Pinner, IPPR executive director, is available for interview

Zoe Billingham, director of IPPR North, and Professor Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at IPPR, are also available

CONTACT

David Wastell, director of news and communications: 07921 403651 d.wastell@ippr.org

Liam Evans, senior digital and media officer, 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with dozens of alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org